Once amid the starlit deepness, while I walked alone and sleepless

On the walls of Minas Tirith not a week or two before-

While I stared at really nothing, only thinking then of one thing,

Suddenly I heard a muffled sound of footsteps on the floor-

"Tis some Tower Guard," I reasoned, "walking softly on the floor-

"Only this and nothing more."

.

And I thought the year was cruel, for 'twas in the month of Yule,

When my children from their schooling took a break from learning lore,

And the two boys sought to make such noise to keep us all awake,

So that air I went to take, out far away from all the roar,

Out away from all the boisterous noise that seemed to me a roar,

So consistent evermore.

.

As I waited in the midnight, not one Tower Guard within sight,

And a nameless quiv'ring fright began to tremble through my core.

Nothing happened, no more feet, and yet my heart suspenseful beat,

Cautious, hesitant to meet whatever sat few yards before.

Then a voice began a murmur clear- a name I'd heard before.

'Twas a whisper: "Denethor."

.

To hear my name in voice unknown caused my aching heart to groan,

Bewildered, thought my mind o'erthrown, that I was mad forevermore,

For I'd heard from darkness sneaking, my Finduilas was speaking,

And I could not keep from peeking out to look on her once more.

Could it be a dream? I wondered, but I listened- not a snore.

And she beckoned, "Denethor."

.

Now for sure my mind was busted, mayhap age and grief had crusted

All my senses, yet adjusted were my eyes upon the door.

And my sight was not believing, 'twas my heart that started grieving,

For the image now receiving was a peacock on the door,

'Twas a snow-white feathered peacock perched above the tower door-

Looked at me- said, "Denethor."

.

I knew not what sacred meaning from this bird I should be gleaning,

Yet my tears all vision screening made my heart and eyes quite sore,

All emotions were a mess, and the bird saw my distress,

And her coo as a caress was gentle as the memories before-

As the the quiet, happy memories I had of her before.

And she chided, "Denethor."

.

As I found my voice for speaking, door on hinges started creaking,

And the peacock, feathers tweaking, took her flight to river's shore,

Wings of white were all a-flutter, grasping hands stretched open, but her

Loveliness was gone; I stuttered to get words from vocal cords.

Only one word then I uttered, from my spirit's deepest core,

'Twas a whisper: "Nevermore."

.

As the door moved slowly open, two small faces stood there, hoping.

"Will you read to us a bedtime story? Of the Elder Days and war?"

Then I sighed, my sons demanding, and with both together banding,

There was little use commanding them to go study their lore.

As I followed them, a whisper came from some far distant shore-

Her last farewell: "Denethor."

.

There you have it! Denethor is a lot better father in this than he is usually... oh well. :) The rhyme and rhythm was frustratingly difficult, but it came through.

Please review! I'd love to hear what you thought of it all!