Young still was I when my mother left me,
My father is naught but a fairy-tale;
Old now am I, and the years weigh heavy,
Though black be my hair and my body hale.

Much have I gained o'er the long years counting,
Knowledge and power - and bottomless grief;
Much have I lost o'er the ages mounting,
Friendship and love - and unshaken belief.

Sons I loved, and a king, and a maiden;
Their silken tresses through my fingers played.
Now my heart with great sorrow is laden,
For long ago all our choices were made.

Long have I dwelt where the trees stand thickly,
Where leaves fall fast as the season passes;
Soon will I go, when the white ship takes me,
Where sea-spray foams and on black rock dashes.

Westward upon dark waves will it bear me,
There to abide till the Last Battle's test,
When Earth and Eä in union free me
And Eru, the One, grants my spirit rest.