Crossing Forest River by Dawn Felagund

Crossing Forest River

River Running, you were most tame!
Welling waters merely mild.
Alas, Forest River's not the same!
Frothing foam and headtall piled,
Cackling beneath an icy hame
And gnashing like a churltrum child!
"Skinchanger! It is time that you became
A salmon wet and wiggly wild—
Slip 'neath these fearsome waters riled."
"Oh ho! You dread the company
Of Woodland King Thranduil?
Burglar! Forth! Topple a tree!

A tree to build a boastsome boat
Of tender lithesome fresh-felled wood,
And across this river shall we float—
Unless you fear the king's maltemptuous mood?"
"Nay, no, but still I volunteer my vote
That the wizard do as he should
And wisp! Whiz! Wing us all afloat!
Till dry on the other side we stood."
The nearby beasts dared not intrude
On a argument none would win,
Till night glowered down in darkled mood.
Alas, we did decide to swim.

Swim! Splash! Scull! Smash! Kick away!
Eyes on the distappearing shore!
While grumpsome whales rose to waylay
And dirks of ice gambolled to gore
Three bold, brave bumblers on their way!
Ears louding with leviathan roar,
Then in its toothly jaws a play
Like cat with mouse upon the floor!
Then! Suddenfast! Dry land restored!
Spat out to snivel and shiver
Staggerfall out of epic lore—
Three soggled saps beside a river.