The Barrow-Downs' Third Birthday Party and Downie Awards

[The Fifth]

Suddenly, a sweet, sad tune struck the air. It was harp-string, as well as the voice of an elf-lad. Walking in was an elven spirit, garbed in white tattered robes and tresses cascading down to the floor. Again the harps played, and Kenelm sung, quite inappropriately sad for such a happy event:

I see
the rising sun
I see
the deer as they run;
the trees as they grow,
and I walk amongst them,
no matter how time is slow.

I see
the setting stars
I see
where I should have been,
and where the moon shines,
but as I look towards chances slim,
I see no signs.

I see
but a window of the world as it passes by;
I see
Forests and plains,
Hills and mountains green,
The woods as it rains,
and the moon in the sky with its silver sheen.

I see
vast oceans with no names
I see
A grey ship upon a grey sky,
with those who leave upon her,
I see, and look from up high,
Those leaving, mother and father;
but I see no more.

I see
grief, sadness, love
I see
Joy, anger, fear
But I see not what they for;
It is what is not known,
in all the worlds I see a lot,
as I sit here alone,
looking through the world I see not.


As he saw everything that went on, he froze, and tilted his head. 'I see many people, many people here.' You see (no pun intended) -- Kenelm had travelled a long while from his rest, and as the spell of Maladil was broken, he was free to roam wherever. He had only just heard of this party, and, unusually curious, had decided to come.