It happened today.
My hands seemed
to fade from sight
and passed through it
unhindered was light.
My mother glanced at me
as I gasped aloud
and soon I drew attention
from the entire crowd.
I turned away
to leave the place
and she followed after
as I pressed my hands
to my face.
What was happening to me?
My name said he,
as I turned to shoot
but instead of hitting him
the arrow veered
and maimed the tree.
'What?' I cried irritably
now we were bereft
of anything to eat.
But his eyes were wide
as he gestured to my arm
and I glanced down to see
that one was not visible
against my side.
We both stood in the clearing
staring at each other
for a moment I was in worry
What was happening to me?
However though
I might try to prevent it
I was not the only one
who suffered this ailment.
Soon, my hands passed
through every object imaginable
from the door and windows
to a table that was glassed.
O' light of the Valar that
in Valinor watch over me
why must you allow
my body to fade slowly?
I know what is happening to me.
Middle-earth was enduring
enough for us to last
but as soon as our souls consumed
our bodies would go too fast.
I sit down and write
as my friend is gone from me
he whose arm faded in the clearing
is not visible in the light.
This is not a trick
and nor do I find it very funny
but now the Elves are
without a body
and no longer shine
on us the stars.
It has already happened to me.
In case you were confused - which you probably were - this tale is told from the viewpoints of two Elves, one in Middle-earth, and one in Valinor.