Soon
Story Type: Poetry : Length: N/A (Non-Fiction or Poetry)
Rating: General -- Reason for Rating: N/A
Summary: A good gardener knows, without doubt, what is needed for those in his care to thrive. And Samwise is the very best gardener in the Shire.....
(note: the secondary URL will take you to Mechtild's LJ, where the poem is a companion to her series of screencaps for Rivendell)
Reviewed by: Mechtild -- Score: 10
In this poem of the convalescence on Cormallen, Sam is watching the recuperating Frodo sleep, just as he once did in Rivendell, watching over Frodo as he recovered from the wound of the Morgul blade. Sam thought of home then, hoping already to be going home -- a real, expectant hope -- still not realising the gravity of his master's (and his) fate. In this poem, on Cormallen, Sam’s thoughts are also full of home. On Cormallen, though, after so much more, and so much worse than the wound from the Morgul blade, his thoughts of home are notably focused on *Frodo* at home. Sam appears in the imagined scenes, but briefly, like an extra in a play. Enter Squire, with servant pottering in garden upstage left, would be the stage directions. In this poem, the images are envisionings of Frodo, back in the world Sam wants for him, the world Frodo once inhabited so comfortably, with all its small but quietly delicious daily pleasures. Sam sees Frodo at home, he sees Frodo happy at home. Sam’s images are so vivid and compelling, it’s as if he is willing them into Frodo’s sleeping head. Sam wants so badly to see Frodo well again, it's as if the intensity of his recalling of the sight and sound and scent of the Shire, and the feel of being in old haunts and going about old routines, will somehow implant themselves in Frodo's mind. Frodo, to again be happy at home, will be Sam's happiness.
Reviewed by: Dwimordene -- Score: 4
Another lovely poem from Jan-u-wine. I like this break in the journey, with Sam watching over Frodo and knowing what it means for Frodo to dream. On the Ring Quest, it seems as if dreams are necessary - one needs that illusory respite to keep going, and Sam can imagine what Frodo is seeing. Or maybe he needs to imagine that Frodo is dreaming of home, so that his own wished-for homecoming can unfurl - all those ellipses are suggestive. Well done!
Reviewed by: Phyncke -- Score: 3
This is as much a visual piece as poetry written. I found I really liked how the poem appeared on the page and that gave it a lyrical feeling. I do believe it succeeds at being a hobbit's wish and I found it worked on many levels.
Reviewed by: Antane -- Score: 2
A sweet celebration of Sam's love and hope for Frodo as he watches his treasure sleep peacefully after the Quest is over.