Songs of Arda Marred

By Ithilwen

The following collection of seven related sonnets (in a very loose meter)is based on episodes in the Silmarillion

Cradle Song

Varda's stars, bright mobiles, hang

Suspended over crib of earth,

Water softly flowing sang –

Rejoicing at the Children's birth.

But innocence will quickly fade –

The forest sounds with cries of fear,

Looming threat infests the shade,

Snatching those who stray too near.

Terrified, the young ones cling

To firelight warm; the Night they curse.

Then from the West a horn does ring –

Angelic Hunter on immortal horse.

An epic journey seaward now will they start –

Each child the nursery must eventually depart.