How We Brought the News from Gamwich to Bree
(This poem was first read at Fed Poets role playing event in the Shire, February 2024)
(With apologies to Robert Browning)
It was four in the morning when first we did hear
Of the news which we’d all long awaited in fear,
As we ran to the stable, Ned Brockhouse and me,
We well knew ‘twas our duty to bring news to Bree.
As we saddled our ponies, not long from our beds,
None there wished us godspeed on the long road ahead,
For the streets they were empty, all curtains were drawn,
As our journey began, and we rode towards dawn,
To the sound of the falls, river rushing close by,
Through the gate out of Gamwich, no stars in the sky,
Dark trees loomed overhead, and the only sounds heard,
Our own hooves on the cobbles, the shrieks of night birds.
Then as onward we rode through steep-sided ravine,
Up ahead the first pale light of dawn could be seen,
And at last, we emerged, and the path grew more wide,
Where in fields on each flank the wild boar root and hide.
Our brave ponies were fresh, and my Willem was strong,
Though Ned’s Molly was slight, she could stay all day long,
At a gallop, to Tightfield we came in good heart,
To that place in the road where the ways they do part.
So, we paused there but briefly our course to confirm,
And to tighten our girths, to be sure we sat firm,
Then set off through the town, on a road lit by lamps,
In the half-light of dawn, for their light we gave thanks.
On we sped till we came where the slow river winds,
On whose grassy green banks shady willow trees line.
As the shrill squeaks of ‘breekers were left far behind,
We now came to the inn, hoped some breakfast to find.
Here we watered the ponies, took our first repast,
Supped on Nobottle Brew, knew we must make it last.
From the old Fox and Fiddle, we climbed the steep slope,
Food and drink in our bellies to us both brought fresh hope.
Alongside us came running the shy white-tailed deer,
Now the sun was well up and the morn it was clear,
And high on the hillside as swift we passed by,
Saw the roofs of the farms there framed next to the sky.
We began the descent, at the ford there arrived,
Where the ponies took water, were quickly revived,
To the stable we came where a bright campfire burns,
In that bleak lonely place where our road took a turn.
As we rode on from Foxden, up onto the Heath,
Though we knew in the Shire we may find more relief,
Yet we galloped through fields filled with chattering shrews,
Knew that Bree was still far, where we must bring our news.
As the road led us down under broad leafy boughs,
By the air of the Shire were our spirits aroused,
We rode past Little Delving, where flags gaily fly,
And were cheered by the greetings of those who passed by.
It was noon as we rode on that riverside trail,
Where gentle cows grazed with a swish of the tail,
Saw the Bird and the Babe on the sign at the inn,
Knew then we had come into Michel Delving.
At the milestone there burns a bright beacon fire,
In this place which is called the crown jewel of the Shire.
In the gardens grow flowers in bright shades and hues,
From the stalls of the vendors fine treats you may choose,
Yet we’d no time to waste for we’d still far to go,
So we spurred on the ponies, once more took the road.
Up on out of the town we came quick up the hill,
Sworn before the next dawn our grave quest to fulfil.
Down the steep road to Waysmeet our ponies did race,
Past the gaily decked wagons we galloped apace,
Saw surprise on folks’ faces, so swift we passed through,
Heard the squawks of the chickens who scattered and flew.
Midst the grassy green hills, there such beauty is found,
Yet we’d no time to stop for we were onward bound,
Took the sharp turn to Hobbiton, watered our steeds,
Then we set forth once more, put aside our own needs.
Yet at Bywater I knew that there we must halt,
For the ponies were spent, though they’d run without fault,
And they needed to rest and to take on some feed,
So, I put it to Ned and we both were agreed.
Made our way to the Dragon, there took a late lunch,
Though we stayed for an hour, yet I have a hunch,
Well refreshed as we were, then we must surely be,
So much faster and stronger on the long ride to Bree.
As the crafters and vendors there bade us farewell,
We both knew that we now had to gallop like hell,
Both the ponies were game, up the slope we rode fast,
Came to where we re-joined Great East Road at last.
Past Frogmorton then we did ride like the wind,
I glanced sideways at Ned who looked back and then grinned,
At the Frogmoors we heard the low croak of a toad,
Where The Water wends sleepily, wild mushrooms grow.
Ever faster we rode, crossed our path a sly fox,
Till at last without pause we then came into Stock,
Where though dusk was now falling, the children still played,
And they waved as we passed and for Brandywine made.
With the Marish behind us, the bridge we then crossed,
Knew that if we dared stop, then all hope might be lost,
At all costs we well knew that we must not be late,
And rode into the night from the old Buckland Gate.
Through the Bree Fields we rode through the rest of the night
All around heard fell creatures, to left and to right,
Came the howling of wolves and the roar of dread bears,
Yet the dangers they posed were the least of our cares,
For the ponies were tired and they slowed with each mile,
Yet we dared not to stop, not for even a while,
For as hours passed us by, as night drew to a close,
In the east, from the darkness, a pale light arose.
As the sun looked to rise, so our own spirits fell,
For we knew that by dawn vital news we must tell,
And then just as we thought that our mission was doomed,
We espied in the distance, rise out of the gloom,
The high walls of the town, the great West Gate of Bree,
Then we both gave a cheer, brave Ned Brockhouse and me,
As we came to the bridge, it was still not too late,
Though at barely a trot we arrived at the Gate.
Up the hill through the town we came at a slow jog,
There were none there to see, save the Watch and his dog,
At a walk, we arrived at the old stable yard,
For our ponies were done, we had ridden them so hard,
We dismounted and walked down the road to the Square,
Leaving our two brave steeds in the good ostler’s care.
At the fountain we saw a small crowd did await,
All were anxious to hear that which we could relate.
So, without more ado, all our news we did tell,
Some who heard took it ill, and some there took it well,
But its timely arrival all there did approve,
As each hurried away, looked to plan their next move!
