what is it about these worlds where space and time are irrelevant
and the emotions are raw, and in primary colours
where the earth, if its earth, stretches as far as you want it to
and not held within the limitedness of reality
where the heroes are heroes indeed
and where the darkest villains inspire awe; the flawed, admiration
all, that appeals to the heart and heart alone
and imagination, if freed from the mind

may such worlds live again
and again

[to the men and women, beasts and creatures, heroes and arch villains that inhabit the worlds of tolkien and his ilk]