Riddle

R:

No key, this,

by no ring hung:

held aloft,

and with pride

loud-sung!

Opposed pride

so-rendered unstung.

Thus way is given,

and more than way:

kinship and fealty

play part in this lay.

C. I:

Yet not overlong.

For pride - even well-tended

- unchecked,

needs cause much

be broken,

be mended.

C. II:

What bites itself,

as stubborn buckle-strap?

R.:

From bearded mouth, a hope to glean;

its rede: to keep its host unseen.

Water issued to those water-keen,

succour offered to those dread-fleeing.

Water only now held aloft:

What is the name of this proud mouth?

C. I:

Which Ulmo booned, afore its need.

Toothless not, 'midst wind-sung beard.

What bonds proclaimed; what deeds slept near!

What songs thereby the eld did hear!

C. II:

In peace a charm, in war held the least,

its swallowing-up:

Songs of what once were and things that seemed to have died.

Who are you and who am I?

We are Shadows.

Shadows of the Past.

Shadows constantly trying to find the surface.

Who are you and who am I?

We are the past.

Yet is not the past the present?

Shadows, Shadows empty Shadows.

Find me, when the Dawn breaks.