Proud and stern of glance
Here's a bit of a long musing I wrote early on in the days when FOTR was still in the theaters. I was thinking today about how good men can sometimes fail and fall, yet in repentance find peace with their failing. Of course, Boromir came to mind, then, and I remembered this musing. The poem that follows was written separately, but goes along with it well. Sorry, it's long -- hope you won't be dismayed but will find time to read it, especially if you missed it when it was first posted.
Hope Misplaced
I set my hope on the White City,
But she was besieged and came close to falling;
I placed my trust in my heritage,
But my blood ran red as any common man's;
I set my hope on my ability to lead men,
But I broke my oath and attacked my friend;
I placed my trust in my sword and shield,
But my sword did not bring victory, for my enemy outnumbered me.
I set my hope on my right to rule,
But I fell to temptation, while another resisted;
I placed my trust in battles and sorties,
I should have listened, and let others lead;
I set my hope on myself, on my honor,
My honor was broken, and my strength revealed as weakness.
I sought answers to a riddle;
I found the answer, but did not understand.
I sought aid for the battle;
I found one who would take my place.
I sought to please my father;
I should have obeyed my King.
I sought friendship;
I found it, and lost it,
And found it again, ere the end.
I sought forgiveness;
I received it, though not from the injured one.
But it was enough.
--- Linaewen, 2002