The Road of Eowyn and Faramir Robert McFadden, CSC, Ph.D I wrote this poem during my novitiate in Colorado at the start of the pandemic. My inspiration came in meditating on how, by seeing the love Christ in others, we can in turn see the face of God. I drew upon J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters Eowyn and Faramir as well as 1 John 3:1–3. I pray that this poem inspires others to see the face of God. A shieldmaiden of Rohan A prince like Numenor of old Pass under the wings of the shadow, Where evil does not sleep, Where the great eye is ever watchful, Where there is no hope to be called children of God. The prince ever lives nobly in the White Tower, Full of mercy and compassion, Bereft of brother, Unpitied by his father, Doomed to die, When darkness falls and all hope seems lost. The shieldmaiden, only lovely on a cold and frosty night, Looks for love from a noble man. He cannot give her what she seeks. Ready to die by the sword, Her king vainly hopes to see her days renewed. What burdens this lack of hope brings to this daughter of God! Into the road, the shieldmaiden and prince take their steps. They do not keep their feet. They find a friend and lover Least looked for In the House of Healing, Where they are to be freed. Wounded by the dark, Without memory of the light, The shieldmaiden and prince take their rest under the warden’s eyes.
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