Crossing Forest River by Dawn Felagund  

Crossing Forest River

River Running, you were most tame!

Welling waters merely mild.

Alas, Forest River's not the same!

Frothing foam and headtall piled,

Cackling beneath an icy hame

And gnashing like a churltrum child!

"Skinchanger! It is time that you became

A salmon wet and wiggly wild—

Slip 'neath these fearsome waters riled."

"Oh ho! You dread the company

Of Woodland King Thranduil?

Burglar! Forth! Topple a tree!

A tree to build a boastsome boat

Of tender lithesome fresh-felled wood,

And across this river shall we float—

Unless you fear the king's maltemptuous mood?"

"Nay, no, but still I volunteer my vote

That the wizard do as he should

And wisp! Whiz! Wing us all afloat!

Till dry on the other side we stood."

The nearby beasts dared not intrude

On a argument none would win,

Till night glowered down in darkled mood.

Alas, we did decide to swim.

Swim! Splash! Scull! Smash! Kick away!

Eyes on the distappearing shore!

While grumpsome whales rose to waylay

And dirks of ice gambolled to gore

Three bold, brave bumblers on their way!

Ears louding with leviathan roar,

Then in its toothly jaws a play

Like cat with mouse upon the floor!

Then! Suddenfast! Dry land restored!

Spat out to snivel and shiver

Staggerfall out of epic lore—

Three soggled saps beside a river.