The Riders of Rohan

Dawn rays gallop down the wind-swept hill
an army against shadow
darkest night
a horse and rider
many footfalls, feet,
deafening cries, steady hooves beat
rank on rank, behind they come,
behind him, the leader and steed
living sun, shining, riding
to war and ruin indeed
as night-storm breaks, clouds roll away
to leave the echoes in a hopeful day
of shadow, despair, and a moving grove
hope and friendship, and fleeting love
all seems faded, yet not all shall fade.