I can't help but root for the underdog. I
guess that's why I love Faramir. He's such a gentle, compassionate
person, yet his father doesn't seem to appreciate him at all. My last
poem sided with the dad, but in this father-child relationship my
sympathies lie with the son. Faramir will always be my favorite human
in Lord of the Rings.
Humility
Faramir. A docile man, a scholar and a dreamer,
A Hobbit sympathizer grim but gentle.
A loyal son, but not a master military schemer,
Not built for battles dire and monumental.
There’s more of Elf and Hobbit about him than mortal man.
With little use for glory, gain and power,
He’d rather spend his afternoons in peaceful, verdant lands
Than lead the charge in Gondor’s darkest hour.
But though he is unsuited, he’s his kingdom’s final hope,
So play the role of warrior he must,
Deterred not by the enemy and its enormous scope
Or by his father’s obvious distrust.
He knows that he forever will live under the shadow
Of Boromir, his favored older brother.
He’s haunted by the knowledge, undeniable and sad.
This truth torments him more than any other.
And yet he does not compromise his own integrity
For Denethor, demented would-be king.
His senses are unclouded and his eyes can clearly see
The danger that’s inherent in the Ring.
He must lead his troops to battle, where they will fight and fall,
As hopelessly outnumbered as they are.
This tactical advantage, this gift could save them all
And win love that’s eluded him so far.
It would be all too easy to seize the Ring of gold,
But he resists, and Middle-earth survives.
With dignity and honor, he’ll gracefully grow old
While Gondor, draped again in glory, thrives.
All will hail the mighty king and little laud the steward
Standing on the sidelines, calm and quiet.
But Faramir’s a hero, and he saved Middle-earth too –
Though if somebody said so, he’d deny it.
