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A Lullaby for the Longest Night  by Alawa 2 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2005
I know, I've already reviewed, but I had to come back and read this one again. And since it's just so not right that I'm the only reviewer, I decided to review again and list my favourite verses. :-)

As sheltered from the shadow's power,
You sweetly slumber, safe and sound,
We form a ring in darkest hour
And pass the light of hope around.


And if in music's soft caress
You feel the touch of Westernesse,
Your father knows it's not in vain
That Rangers walk in frost and rain.

So, when the midnight hour is near,
We strike a spark against our fear,
And light a candle, fair and white,
A beacon calling in the night.

As sheltered from the shadow's power
You sweetly slumber, safe and sound,
We form a ring in darkest hour
And pass the light of hope around.

I love how the first verse is repeated at the end, and the mention of Westernesse. I compose tunes for my own, and I find myself "almost" hearing this one. I imagine something in A minor, being played with a harp, flute, and two or three violins. Did you set it to a tune. Oh, I just love it! The Dunedain heritage just shines in it! Blessings to you and yours this Christmas!
Galadriel



Author Reply: Hello Queen Galadriel,

How lovely to get another review from you! I think I was imagining the first/last verse as a kind of chorus so it could be repeated at any time during the song if the singer wanted.

I did have a tune in my head when I wrote it. It's from the BBC Radio adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" (1981 - I think) when Sam (the incomparable Bill Nighy) sings "Gilgalad was an elven king" in the dell beneath Weathertop. I've searched around and found it here:-

http://www.warofthering.net/downloadmanager/pafiledb.php?action=file&id=440

I really love that moment in that play when we first get a glimpse of Sam's hidden depths. Music theory is not my strong point ;-) but I've just picked the tune out on the piano and it's all white notes (except for a featured B flat) so I think that could make it A minor? It's a bit hard to hear on the link, but IRRC, the backing music that gradually creeps in is mainly strings so maybe we were thinking along the same lines ;-)

Just in case you are interested, last year I wrote a companion piece - prose though, not a poem - called "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit", which is also up on the site.

Thanks so much again - and I'm really glad you enjoy it so much!

With all best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,
Alawa






Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/15/2005
This is beautiful! I love writing lullabies myself, and this one is truly unique. I can imagine Gilraen singing this to a young Estel. Hobbits are my customs, and so I don't know very much about the Dunedian, but I've always found Gilrean and Aragorn's story fascinating. Excellent! Namarie, and God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: A review! Thanks so much Queen G. I'm glad you enjoyed it - especially as it's getting round to that time of year again.

Alawa

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