One of the things I owe to Tolkien is inspiring in me a love of poetry. Before I read The Lord of the Rings, I had little interest in reading poetry, let alone writing it. It was the poems of Middle Earth that changed my mind…the way he used poems and songs to emphasize the emotional moments just made it “click” for me.
Early during my poetry exploration, I wrote this poem about Frodo in Mordor. It’s not really how I write poetry anymore, but it was definitely inspired by Tolkien. This seems like the right time to share it. 🙂
The Last Chapter
I wander through this valley of gloom
Seeking the mountain of death
Where has fled my strength, I wonder?
Uttering life’s last breathSo close around is darkness
It is all I understand
The mist around me, in my eyes
The stench of evil landMy greatest hope is victory
A sunrise for my kin
White daisies in the pastures
And gentle summer windNearer and closer have I come
The slopes are at my feet
Somewhere a tower looms in dusk
Waiting for my defeatIf I can but reach that summit
Marian H. Rowe
And set my people free
Then I shall die, content and ready
To face the silver sea
Classics Considered 
Leave a Reply