Halbarad's Farewell
-o-
The gathering gloom, the feel of doom
This is an evil door
Darkness ahead, the journey's end
Is not far anymore
-o-
The threshold dark from a cold stone,
And my death lies beyond
But I follow, for you must go,
And faith is a strong bond
-o-
For noble past I've ridden south
After the sun of noon,
But for the future I will go
Into the sunless gloom
-o-
Behind that door no turning back,
And yet I'll cross this line
Towards the burning, bloody field
And hope that is not mine
-o-
Be well, my love, kiss our son
For me and for my king
Into your arms I won't return,
But don't let your heart sink
-o-
Do not mourn for me, cousin mine,
When my life's blood will flow
I only regret I won't see
The crown upon your brow
'This is an evil door,' said Halbarad, 'and my death lies beyond it. I will dare to pass it nonetheless; but no horse will enter.'
(J. R. R. Tolkien, The Return of the King, Book V, Chapter 2: The Passing of the Grey Company)
- poem reuploaded into the collection from B2MeM 2010