Tolkien’s Version:

So the company went on their long way, down the wide hurrying waters, borne ever southwards. Bare woods stalked along either bank, and they could not see any glimpse of the lands behind. The breeze died away and the river flowed without a sound. No voice of bird broke the silence. The sun grew misty as the day grew old. , until it gleamed in a pale sky like. High white pearl. Then it faded to the west, and dusk came early, followed by a grey and starless night. Far into the dark quiet hours they floated on, guiding their boats under the overhanging shadows of the western woods. Great trees passed like ghosts, thrusting their twisted thirsty roots through the mist down into the water. It was dreary and cold. Frodo sat and listened to the faint lap and gurgle of the river fretting among the tree roots and driftwood near the shore, until his head nodded and fell into an uneasy sleep.

My Version:

So the company gentler pushed themselves on their long way, down the wide rushing waters, born in the south. Bare woods watched their every move along the banks, and seeing the lands behind them was hopeless. The breeze stopped haunting them and turned away in fear of what was ahead. The River flowed in a quiet, but disturbing silence. No sounds of nature dared to break the silence. The sun grew into an old pearly haze as becoming a ghost. then it slowly died in the west and left them unprotected. The night swallowed them up, and the stars hid behind the grey. Lost in the dark long hours the glided on into the overhanging shadows. Large trees stared at them, almost reaching them with their roots. It was dreary and cold. Frodo sat patiently to let the river pull him into a light and alert sleep.

I Am From…

I am from gold caffeine free Dr. Pepper

From face scrubs and Vera Bradley pencils

I am from the one story plus game room perfect-for-our-family-size house,

From the smell of constantly lit candles with all different scents

I am from the slope in our backyard

From the peonies that still stand strong with tender care from my dad

I am from going to the barn at 6:30 and opening one present on Christmas Eve

From Angela and Duane

I am from quoting movies 24/7 and watching every episode of Project Runway From making silly noises

I am from “eat your greens” and “go above and beyond”

From Frosty the Snowman

I am from Dallas and Indiana and garlic bread

From Pop’s(grandpa’s) leg that was lost in the ski trip, the leg that still limps today

I am from Disney World autographs and dirty brown saddles that always need cleaning

From memories that sit on shelves and hide in boxes in the attic

I am from the momentos that give little bursts of happiness when I look at them
Memories that make me wish I was still there

Early on the morning light,
Talking to someone who can’t answer,
Breathing in and out to keep calm,
Leading your teammate to get ready,
” We can do this”

Sliding on a wool jacket,
Strapping on your number tight,
Zipping up your newly clean boots,
” We can do this”

Warming up, sweating under the heat,
Putting on your game face,
Taking in the yells of “Listen better”
Learning your course, no room for failing
“We can do this”

Walking into the arena,
Picking up a gentle canter,
Soaring high over every obstacle,
Smiling at the first place ribbon,
“We did it”