Bilbo's Book of Poetry

by CookandBaker

What became of Bilbo's poems? Frodo discovers the sentimental, heartfelt tome when he makes plans to leave on the boat for Valinor and he cannot bear to leave it behind. (In other words, parodies of folk songs, pop songs and musicals set in "The Hobbit".)

1. Losing You

My dear Frodo,

Along with the Red Book of Westmarch, I chose to leave behind a book of poems and songs collected over the times of my adventures. I am sure you know well their tunes.

Regards, Bilbo

---

(AN: Losing My Mind from Follies the Musical, do go and listen to it!)

Losing my friend was the hardest thing that ever happened to me, Frodo. I can barely forget what we shared - the moment on the carrocks, the times when I tried to, the time I betrayed him and the time we made it up. I trust you too will appreciate the friends you have and cherish each moment with them.

Losing You

I plant my tree,

And think about you,

I watch it grow,

and think about you.

I miss you so,

It's like I'm losing my mind.

The morning ends,

I think about you.

I talk to friends,

I think about you.

And do they know?

It's like I'm losing my mind.

All afternoon,

Writing every little tale,

The thought of you stays bright.

Sometimes I stand

In the middle of my hole,

Not going left,

Not going right.

I smoke my pipe,

And think about you,

I sleep at night,

And dream about you.

You were my friend,

Or were you just being kind?

Or am I losing my mind?

I want you so,

It's like I'm losing my mind.

Does no one know?

It's like I'm losing my mind.

---

Frodo traced his finger down the page. It was written in Bilbo's gnarly handwriting, no doubt years after the Quest. Bilbo never forgot, apparently, he never let go.

This book he would not leave with Sam. He would take it along... along with something else.

Frodo had long made his plans. In the autumn, the leaves fell, he went and stooped by Bilbo's oak to find the perfect leaf, and pressed it within the pages, right on the page of the poem,"Losing You". He would bring this book and the leaf within with them to Valinor.

Frodo would miss this tree, this beautiful tall oak that unlike its namesake had lived out its years in peace and prosperity.

And yet, Frodo felt a sense of misgiving. Bilbo would never leave his friend's side, and yet here he was, cruelly tearing himself away from Sam. The terrible gnawing ache of his heart grew.