Reviews of Hope and Light - Stories of Arda

Larner · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

Oh, very nice, Aunty! Wonderful poem! If only poetry came as easily to me as it appears to come to you and Queen Galadriel and Armariel!

Author's reply

Hello Larner! You are too kind. I did like listening to limericks as a child (thought they were fascinating and funny), so I just try to stick with those general rules whether I write 4 or 5 lined verses. Or is it stanzas? See how unlearned I am? I shall eagerly read the poems of the other good people you mentioned. Other people's works are always fresh and liberating. Thanks for the (always) welcome words! Maureen :)

Lindelea · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

Lovely, strong and stirring. He battled on for many hours/Soothed deep despairs with Kingly powers/And moved by their friend’s desperate plea/To Death’s kind arms they did not flee Very nicely done. Thanks!

Author's reply

Hello Lindelea, I'm really glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you for your kind words, they've made me smile widely! Maureen :)

Dreamflower · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

Very touching! It's always good to revisit Cormallen, whether in prose or verse.

Author's reply

Thanks Dreamflower, Cormallen stories always have the power to move me because of the hobbits' recovery. So much joy and fear mixed together - the happiness of War won, but the possibility of losing those who made Victory possible... As always, your reviews are appreciated! I'm off now to work on the last chapter of 'Much Ado...' so it may be posted (much) later today or tomorrow. Byee! Maureen :)

Celeritas · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

The last stanza in particular brought a big smile to my face, since you were able to incorporate a GTL (that's Genuine Tolkien Line)... in meter! I've always liked the (fanon, but IMO justified because it's easily extrapolated from canon) idea of Aragorn pleading with Frodo and Sam's souls not to leave just yet. I imagine a large amount of his argumentative power was simply that the other could not die yet and surely would if he left him behind!

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, Tes, I know what you mean about one of their souls pleading with the other and I was going to slip that in, but felt it would then become a poem about them as opposed to Aragorn's worry for them. Popping the GTL in was a piece of unexpected good fortune: I needed something to rhyme with 'raise' and naturally thought of 'praise' which led me to the famous line from the books. Phew! Glad it made you smile and thanks for dropping a note! Maureen :)

Antane · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

Oh, that was neat! Hantanyel, my dear! Namarie, God bless, Your Fellow Aunty :)

Author's reply

Hello Aunty Anne, Just a simple wee ode for all the lovely words you've sent in reviews. It was my pleasure to write it! Glad you enjoyed it. All the best to you and yours (always), Aunty Maureen :)

eiluj · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

Not bad for someone who claims not to be a poet! You must have had quite a bit of poetry read to you when you were young, because this shows a good understanding of meter (something all-too-often lacking in novice poets). And I have to say also that you have a real gift for a well-turned phrase: every stanza or two I found myself saying, "Ooh, nice word! Ooh, great phrase!"

Author's reply

Hello eiluj, I can't tell you much your review made me smile, but let me try: I opened up your sweet review And gladnees filled me strong and true Your lovely words induced a smile Far wider than a country mile I'm delighted that it produced such a wonderful reaction because I scratched it out before tea (which I felt a bit guilty about because it was a gift for someone and I should have spent more time on it - but I've never been able to understand those deep, meaningful and highly intellectual poems of the Greats let alone write one, so I just thought 'As long as it rhymes & has Frodo and Sam in it, I can hope it makes her smile). There's another of mine posted here 'His, dear beloved Hobbit Elf' which you may want to read (or not!). I didn't have poetry read to me when I was young - or if I did, it was mainly limericks. But I read a lot of the magical stories of Enid Blyton ('The Magic Faraway Tree' I think it's called) and also C.S. Lewis which are enough to send any impressionable child's imagination into overdrive! Thank you so much for your kind words! (I'm still smiling). Maureen :)

shirebound · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Hope and Light

That's magnificent! I love it. The Eagles great he could behold With Heroes clasped in tender fold How lovely.

Author's reply

Hellooo Shirebound! How lovely to hear from you again! I am so pleased you liked this, especially as it was a gift for someone. If Antane likes it as much as you, I'll be a very happy bunny!! Thanks for the review! Maureen :)

Reviews (7)