(©Shirley Starke 1991)

The mountains greet us at their feet,
The mountains' heads are white,
But under the mountains so stately standing,
It's blacker far than night.

Here they mined much gold and fine,
And gems of many-colored light,
But under the mountains so stately standing,
It's blacker far than night.

Behind these walls are many halls,
Many halls and great,
But under the mountains so stately standing,
It dwells in cruel hate.

Many a hero tried and true,
And sung both far and near
Has met his death in the burning breath
Of the nameless Fear.

The mountains greet us at their feet,
The mountains' heads are white,
But under the mountains so stately standing,
It's blacker far than night.

Comments
Artist Comment: "Song for the White Rider was written in 1968, after I'd read The Lord of the Rings for the first time. The style is merely my own; I did not attempt to imitate the inimitable. It is neither more nor less than a first reaction, sometimes accurately reflecting what I read, sometimes not, but expressing my wonder at the beginnings of an understanding that would grow for a lifetime."