The Harrowing of the Shire

Ever on the road goes winding,
Yet endings come to hearts that wait.
Eager footsteps, worn from journey,
Run the path and leap the gate.
Yet up ahead is darkness waiting,
Evil survives, come light the fire:
Set the horns to call for aid now
In the harrowing of the Shire!

Evil's defeat lies leagues behind me.
I am tired and wounded sore.
The memories goad and haunt and whisper.
I seek my hearth, I seek my door.
I find my home in filth and ruin,
My people beaten, the fields a mire,
And once again my heart is broken
In the harrowing of the Shire!

Up the call goes: "Awake, Awake!
Fire and foes, oh hearts awake!"
Flames light up the cruel faces
And death rides forth, seeks lives to take.
Arrows flying, swords are drawn.
My hope for peace, my one desire
Lies in blood upon my doorstep
In the harrowing of the Shire!

Where shall my heart find its rest now?
All is pain and sorrow sore.
The past is past…and yet it lingers
In dreams of darkness at my door.
I seek the Havens, hope for peace there
And flee the burning Eye of Fire
That lives forever in my memories
Of the harrowing of the Shire.

Find more by Hannah Webb in the Author Index.

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