The Grand Tales of Middle-Earth

by: L. Lybarger

In times past, journeys unexpected unraveled
and a curious company of folk traveled
across the land, in the face of ruination
to reclaim their home once plagued with desolation.
A battle, there was, great clashing forces
fire and death was seen, but the weary travelers held their course.
There were many meetings, and many a friend made,
but then to rest, those times were laid.
O'er lands the fellowship traversed
until at last, their company dispersed.
For every last goodbye was said,
and reminiscent tears were shed;
unexpected heroes smote down the evils of old,
and made way for the new world, for all to behold.
The lords of the two towers were brought low
and the return of the king made known;
Remember, friends, to all whose time has passed,
in the far western lands of Middle-Earth, time moves fast;
in a land where white shores, and beyond, host a far-green country under a swift sunrise...
all of this, one great paradise...
Realize that the journey doesn't end here....
Death is just another path, one all must take, and for some it is very near....
The grey rain-curtain of the world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it...
All of your dearest friends, faces alit,
beneath the party tree in the Shire they sit,
enjoying a long pipe, sharing a pint of beer with Mr. Tolkien himself, where all worries and troubles are quit.

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