Story-Book Adventure

Were you at the Party

Beneath the evening stars

When Bilbo made that funny speech

And vanished from the world?

Were you there in Bag End

The night Gandalf returned

And told Frodo of the Dark Lord

And the quest that he must complete?

Were you there, at Weathertop

When the Nazgul found their quarry

Their screams tearing the darkness in two

As they ran flaming through the night?

Did you find yourself in Lorien

The night that Frodo looked

Into the Mirror of Galadriel

And saw the future looking back?

Or were you there at Amon Hen

When Boromir's strength broke

And Frodo fled to find the mount

Where he could destroy the evil Ring?

You may have been there, watching breathlessly

Hoping for a better day yet to come

Urging on the Fellowship

To complete their Quest

But let me tell you something- I know what really happened

I've seen it all unfolding

I walked with Men and Elves

I followed Sam and joined Frodo on the river

I tracked the hobbits taken by Orcs

I fought the Ring

I fought the hordes of evil

I know their destiny, their hearts, their souls

I've felt the heat of Orodruin

Watched Frodo finally succumb

I ran from Orodruin's fury

Only to be flown on wings of Eagles

I was there

And when I came back, I felt empty

Because I know it happened only in my mind

And I wish that it were history, rather than fiction

But that's the fate of all stories, I suppose

To lie on a bookshelf, until awakened by a curious and questioning mind

Then blaze in glory…

Were you at the Party

Underneath the evening stars…