Sam's Song at the Doorstep of Cirit Ungol --by J.R.R. Tolkien

In western lands beneath the Sun

The flowers may rise in Spring,

The trees may bud, the waters run,

The merry finches sing.

Or there maybe 'tis cloudless night

And swaying beeches bear

The Elven-stars as jewels white

Amid their branching hair.

Though here at journey's end I lie

In darkness buried deep,

Beyond all towers strong and high,

Beyond all mountains steep,

Above all shadows rides the Sun

And Stars for ever dwell:

I will not say the Day is done,

Nor bid the Stars farewell.


Note: I chose this poem to post on my blog because a very close friend of mine, Maestro, who is a musical genius and plays more instruments than my school owns, wrote music to the poetry found in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and this is the only one that I know how to play (on the piano) and sing (almost) perfectly.

Kudos to Maestro,
Katie J.

Shall I Compare Thee to a Winter's Day?

Happy Valentines Day! Today is a day to celebrate the love between two people, or, in my case, five. I received a very enlightening Valentine from my dentist, reminding me of an upcoming appointment. Okay, so he didn't profess his undying love for me, but, as it arrived on Valentines day, addressed to me, it counts.

This year I have five Valentines, and I would like to say a few (okay, not so few) words about each of them.

For Ray Howard, my father. For all the weekends in Maryland we spent cycling down the Billy Goat trail and camping in the woods where I would be scared shitless of the monster ants in my dreams. For welcoming me into your new home, for looking after me, for loving me unconditionally, and for being there for a hug when I need it.

For A.W. and S.W., who lived so much in such a short period of time. For you, because you loved me, because I love you, and because everyone still loves you. Because we were never at a loss for something to say. Because we always found new ways to have fun. Because you invented games that seemed to last forever. Or, at least, until it started to rain.

For Arthur Just, my faithful canine companion, who has always put his family and home before his own safety, and who has proved to be the world's best dog (although, puppy, you smell and you bark a lot :D).

For my First Mate Slee, who will always be welcome on the Pirate ship. Who has kept the Radiator alive, who is always there for a midnight phone call, who makes the universe's best baked goods, who draws superheroes insanely well, who always makes me happy even when I feel like crap.

And, last but not least, for Monkey Just, my big brother and best friend, who gives the best monkey hugs, who cheers everyone up just by being there, and who has always lived life to the fullest, never wasting a moment of it. For you, big brother, because you always make me Smile (:D!).

So, for those of you who are lucky enough to have someone special in your life, be happy. Enjoy your life and live it to the fullest. Don't waste a moment. There is always at least one person who loves you. Be happy and smile.

Love and Kisses,

Katie J. -XXXBearHug

P.S. There will never be another moment in my life where I will be this cliche, so be grateful I spent it on you :D

O Captain My Captain --by Walt Whitman

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,

Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up -- for you the flag is flung -- for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths -- for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head!

It is some dream that on the deck,

You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,

The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.



NOTE: This poem is one of my favourites. It is a very powerful and moving piece, and I find I can relate to the poet's writing style, as it is similar to mine. The poem is about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln (16th US President) and the end of the US Civil War, although this was not evident the first time I read the poem.