A/N This is my very first poem ever and I had never thought to even attempt one but Llinos made me! Recently she was my tutor for a very intensive course in Poetry 101 and I hope that I have learned something. If I haven't it certainly isn't for lack of her skill and patience. Now I am even more amazed at how she is able to write such incredible poetry so quickly as I found it very hard going indeed. Needless to say, she gave me a lot of helpful advice and pokes in the right direction. I could never have done this without her. Thank you Llinos, and this first poem of mine is dedicated to you! This was originally written for Marigold's Challenge 46, which required a bonfire be included in honour of Bonfire Night.

A New Light
By Marigold
Edited by Llinos

He wished that he could see the stars

But even from the Tower's heights,

The grandeur of the springtime sky,

Was veiled by unforgiving lights.

Strident glares from bonfires blazing,

Harsh lamps from each windowpane,

Light now replaced the Shadow's shroud,

But Pippin searched the sky in vain.

The return of the King was celebrated

Through City's streets, far below.

Though filled with joy, their Quest complete,

Pippin yearned for starlight's glow.

He'd seen the City under Darkness

Filled with fear that froze his soul,

To see the stars at last would heal him,

New memories would make him whole.

Strider found him gazing skyward,

His small Knight clad in silvery mail,

All by himself upon the ramparts,

While below his friends quaffed food and ale.

His hand upon his small friend's shoulder

He listened to the hobbit's plight

And understood that bonfire tributes,

Matched not the stars' celestial light.

It was to keep such things of splendour

That all had suffered and many died.

Yet still the night sky wore a mantle

This time caused by mortal pride.

The new dawn saw yet more revels,

But as the dusk began to fall,

The Fellowship gathered in the throne room

And with their King strode from his Hall.

From the lowest Circle to the top

The resolute procession made its way,

And as they went the heralds cried,

"Lights must be dimmed with no delay!"

The people spilled into the streets

As the staunch group travelled higher,

And across the velvet black of night,

Endless diamonds shone like fire!

The people gasped; they gazed in awe

At the glorious display,

As Elbereth's uncounted stars

Turned newfound darkness into day.

The friends stood on the topmost tower

Beneath the splendour far above;

The White City now filled Pippin's heart

With a new and deep abiding love!