(©Shirley Starke 1991)

"O, is that a storm on yonder peak?
Are we to have rain tonight?
O what lights our mountain bear and bleak,
In summer even snowy white?"

"That is not a storm but a battle great,
The battle that is to decide the fate
Of the world."

"O, but dost not see the lightning flash?
If thou dost not, thou hast not eyes.
O, but dost not hear the thunder crash,
And see the flaming clouds arise?"

"That is not a storm but a battle great,
The battle that is to decide the fate
Of the world."

"O, but if we hear the battle's din,
Where then are the mighty foes?
Tell me O, where are the gallant men,
The armies who must oppose?"

"—There are but two in this battle great,
The battle that is to decide the fate
Of the world."

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."