POETRY SPOT

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I Sit Beside the Fire and Think

- J R Tolkien

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I Sit beside the Fire and Think is a song by Bilbo Baggins, which he sang softly in Rivendell the evening before the Fellowship of the Ring set out upon their quest. Bilbo sang the song in the presence of Frodo, after giving Frodo the Mithril-coat and Sting. The song is a contemplative piece, sung by a now-aging hobbit recalling past events that ends in anticipation of hearing returning friends.

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From: https://allpoetry.com/i-sit-and-think

This poem by J. R. R. Tolkien reflects on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of memory. It is a meditative and introspective work, as the speaker sits by the fire and contemplates all that he has seen and all that he will never see. The poem's language is simple and direct, yet it evokes a profound sense of longing and regret.

The poem can be seen as a companion piece to Tolkien's other works, such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In these works, Tolkien explores the themes of loss and mortality through the epic journeys of his characters. In "I Sit and Think," Tolkien takes a more personal approach to these themes, reflecting on the passing of time in his own life. The poem also reflects the time period in which it was written, as Europe was reeling from the devastation of World War I. Tolkien's poem can be seen as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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I sit beside the fire and think

of all that I have seen

of meadow-flowers and butterflies

in summers that have been;

Of yellow leaves and gossamer

in autumns that there were,

with morning mist and silver sun

and wind upon my hair.

I sit beside the fire and think

of how the world will be

when winter comes without a spring

that I shall ever see.

For still there are so many things

that I have never seen:

in every wood in every spring

there is a different green.

I sit beside the fire and think

of people long ago

and people who will see a world

that I shall never know.

But all the while I sit and think

of times there were before,

I listen for returning feet

and voices at the door.