All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
Forgotten by most and wide-scattered
They range the vast wilds of the north.
Recalling their strength when it mattered
Descendants of kings will ride forth.
Though oft seen ‘mong hobbit and mankind,
And received in high honour ‘mongst elves,
Most avoid the ranger that they find
Who for most part will keep to themselves.
Yet the king’s house not yet has miscarried,
And the north yet has hope in Estel.
Though the start of his reign has long tarried,
He will come. May his ending be well.
Not all stones from the mine contain treasure,
Not all paths from one door lead aright.
Yet the diamond has worth beyond measure
Once the gemstone is brought to the light.
Not all steel is suited for sword-blade,
A hero not all men can make.
As the strength of the elves and their songs fade,
A good king one should never forsake.
Not all songs sing of battles and ending,
Not all tears are from happiness shed,
But all hearts to the death yet are wending,
And all feet to their last day are led.
Not all battles are won the strongest.
Nor each ally shall prove steadfast friend.
But the warriors who hold out the longest
Though they die, still may win in the end.
Not all friends prove their worth come the battle,
Nor all promises bind fast the heart.
Nor is truth to be found in boast-prattle.
The true friend from your side won’t depart.
Not all mens’ blood proves thicker than water,
Not all man’s friends prove as true as steel.
For the false man deserts you to slaughter.
But the true friend will stay – woe or weal.
Love original poetry? Visit Tolkien Tribute for more.
Recent Comments