A Journey in the Dark
On the mountain they crouched as snow and rock
Fell all around. "We cannot go this way!"
One cried. "We'll not survive—we will be crushed!"
"There is another path," the Dwarf replied.
Through Khazud-dûm the Wizard led them on,
Past dead, decaying memories of war.
Behind them crept a one who once was fair,
Who'd been corrupted, twisted from his form.
"A pity Bilbo didn't kill him then."
"'Twas pity stayed his hand," the Wizard said.
"Many that live should die, and some that die
Should live. Can you give life to those you will?
Are you so wise you know what ends may be?
Be not so quick to deal out death, my friend."
-Esther Spurrill Jones