In the Eldest Days, our kindred woke
in the twilight wondering
Beside the Shores of Cuivienen
we stirred from Slumbering
Beneath the Heavens' hallowed stars
shining down un-numbering
Being first of Living Things with voice
in the twilight wondering.
There we gazed with merry eyes upon
the silent heights of Orocarni
That shone crimson in the fearless Night
by the sacred lights of Elentari
Thus we found the joy of velvet skies
before our love of Kementari
Though we looked with joyful eyes upon
the silent heights of Orocarni.
When we spoke the ancient tongue now
lost behind the Severing
Wonders we wrought of voice and thought
thus for love's endeavoring
We found no others with spoken words
who sought the means of answering
Whence we spake the enchanted words now
lost before the Severing.
First came forth the secret forests' voice
held still in starlit shadows dreaming
From ancient trees who harkend most
in wonder of our noble singing
Fair of virgin leaf and branch they were
and youthful in their newborn seeming
For they yet were free of fear and loss
while held in soothing shadows dreaming.
Now amongst the singing trees we called
the birds and beasts unnamed
Newly woke they wandered free beneath
the darkling woods untamed
Neither fear nor sorrow was seen to be
nor yet anger and hate inflamed
Now they stirred with a joy unknown
before they had been named.
In the Eldest Days our kindred knew
the joy of untried Being
Beside the Shores of Cuivienen
before the Times of Grieving
Beneath the Heavens' hallowed stars
aloft in Varda's weaving
Being first of Living Things with voice
in the twilight singing.
Copyright © 1997 Geoff Holbrook
All Rights Reserved.