Can’t stop the relentless conflict,
Hissing voices crowd my mind.
Such a tiny thing…
Sauron’s shrouded deceit
And a father’s insistent bidding.
How brightly it shines!
The council’s decision to destroy
The enemy’s gift.
Isildur’s bane… so small.
How can a simple gold band wield
The sinister power legend speaks of?
The world’s fate within a trivial circlet.
It has eaten away my strength and resolve
Night and day, without rest.
It could have been mine!
The fate of Gondor depends upon me;
Our advantage over Mordor’s hosts!
Must… have it! Give it to me!

Katrina Nelson © January 2002