Look look look! I made a drawing of Tolkien's Goldberry for the Trick or Treat exchange, wherein she is singing a prayer, but I did not attempt to write this prayer.
Well. The ever-delightful Róisín has obliged, and I think it well outstrips the illustration.
GOLDBERRY’S AUTUMN PRAYERGold and red the Autumn leaves
Drift on the flowing water.
Green and gold, the Willow weaves
Songs for the River-Daughter.
Gods of Water, Earth, and Sky,
Of life and death unending
Hear now this song I sing for you
Under the Willow bending.
The land prepares for Winter’s sleep.
Under a coat of snow
The roots will slumber, buried deep
The sleeping seeds below.
Dead leaves will rot and feed the soil.
In the warm dark beneath
The fungi and the earthworms toil
Shaping new life from death.
Over and over, so it goes:
Life, death, and life again.
Dead leaves and dung feed summer’s rose.
The death of grass feeds men.
Soon will my love come home and bring
A waterlily bloom
To keep all Winter while I sing
In my green and quiet room.
Reminding me of Summer’s glow
And Autumn’s rich decay,
Until Spring’s flowers burst through the snow.
Now my Autumn prayer I will pray.
