Bilbo's Regret

I remember when he was just a lad, always asking of my Adventure, always playing make-believe. He would listen wide-eyed to the riddles of Gollum, which I did with great enthusiasm - I thought he would grow out of it. So, I told him of Elves, of Beorn, of Smaug.

But now – my poor Frodo. He isn’t farming in the peace of the Shire, content with a pretty hobbit-lass.

He’s where I prayed he wouldn’t ever go – away on his own Adventure.
I can only hope that when he’s my age, he can keep his lad safe, for I failed.