searching for a poem....
 

i know some others have heard the bbc radio adaptation of LOTR, so hopefully someone here can help me.

At the end of the final episode (13), as they ride to the havens, a passage appeared that was not in the book. It was something about frodo feeling he was drifting in a dream, and he heard the voice of Bilbo chanting - his Last Song. I've looked for this and can't find it, can anyone tell me if this is genuine Tolkien? I can only remember the first two lines though [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]

any help? [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

You know I've been looking, but I haven't found it yet. If I do, I'll let you know. Still searching.

Bilbo's Last Song (At the Grey Havens)

Day is ended, dim my eyes,
but journey long before me lies.
Farewell, friends! I hear the call.
The ship's beside the stony wall.
Foam is white and waves are grey;
beyond the sunset leads my way.
Foam is salt, the wind is free;
I hear the rising of the Sea.

Farewell, friends! The sails are set,
the wind is east, the moorings fret.
Shadows long before me lie,
beneath the ever-bending sky,
but islands lie behind the Sun
that I shall raise ere all is done;
lands there are to west of West,
where night is quiet and sleep is rest.

Guided by the Lonely Star,
beyond the utmost harbour-bar,
I'll find the heavens fair and free,
and beaches of the Starlit Sea.
Ship, my ship! I seek the West,
and fields and mountains ever blest.
Farewell to Middle-earth at last.
I see the Star above my mast!

I found the poem at The Grey Havens. I also understand that there was an illustrated book titled "Bilbo's Last Song", but I don't know if it is still in print.

interesting.... very nice poem! I still love

I sit beside the fire and think....
Always brings a tear to my eye! *sob*

Birdland --

I love this book. It is one of my Tolkien favorites. It comes up on e-bay every few weeks but you have to look for it. I paid around $12 for the hardcover (there's also a paper version.)

One page shows the adventures of Bilbo, the scenes from his past adventures which he is remembering, and the facing page shows the procession of the Elves to Grey Havens, Frodo and Sam meeting up with Bilbo, the final goodbyes etc.

You sense the hobbits' sadness and nostalgia for the past and the Shire, but you also sense how they are looking forward to something amazing and new. I think that's why I like it so much.

I'm even adding a verse of it as my signature for future posts.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ May 31, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]

I want that book! Can anyone please tell me if it comes up on ebay? (might miss myself). I would be very grateful. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]