Not for Thee & Snake

[written_leaves]

Eowyn's despairing hidden love for what she could not have, and the final resolution of that hurt. With it I'm placing a character sketch of Grima, a strangely intimate look at the twisted relationship from Theoden's point of view.

Not for Thee

Upon hilltop they came, a-four,
I saw them come, as none before -
Authority he yet brought forth;
Ring and stone and bright blade.
Heart-full I gazed, desired him more;
Glory released my fate.

Darksome these days! Parted from me,
Storm-eyed his gaze, 'twas not to be.
Harden I must, bend not to thee,
Stiff-backed rode he away.
I'll numb my heart to set it free,
Drown in a blacker day.

--

(Upon wall-top, mid garden green,
No finer one I've ever seen,
Beyond past hurts, this now my dream:
Gentle, Steward-Captain.
Taking my hand, his love redeems,
Starr'd mantle blue I'm wrapped in.)

-
Snake

Under thickened heavy lids
His eyes have a dull shine,
Soft and yellow as tallow
Pooled at the base of some guttering candle.
Colorless lips fold over his
Glittering teeth.
Sincerity is his mask
Crooked promptings and
Words of flattery slip easily from his
Clever tongue.

Counsel! Counsel –
My Counselor to me…
Draw near to me.
Draw near that I may
Sip at the heavy sweetness of your
Poisonous words,
And draw your breath into mine.
Yes, let me breathe deeply of your
Dreaming perfume of glory past,
Let me wander the paths of your twisted tales,
They seem so bright and brave.
The dry and brittle rushes were once green also,
There is no dishonor in this ending…
The past is where I will dwell.
Tell me again how the flames of this fire
Are sufficient light for old eyes.
Tell me again of my weakness,
Lest I forget,
And awake,

And slay you.

-