Awakening in the Whispers of Arda - By Senandee Jayalath

Written By: Senandee Jayalath

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Explore the rich and immersive world of "Awakening in the Whispers of Arda" by Senandee Jayalath, a captivating entry in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This piece takes readers on a poetic journey through the enchanting realms of Arda, inspired by the vast lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Senandee's work invites participants and readers alike to delve into a world where fantasy and reality beautifully intertwine.

About the Work

"Awakening in the Whispers of Arda" is an evocative portrayal of a mystical journey through a world both familiar and strange. Rich with vivid imagery and a whimsical narrative style, the poem captures the essence of wonder and exploration. Through encounters with iconic characters like Gandalf and scenes of pastoral beauty, Senandee crafts a narrative that celebrates adventure and the timeless allure of storytelling.

Awakening in the Whispers of Arda

Original Submission by Senandee Jayalath

Awakening in the Whispers of Arda

Beneath the embrace of the veil of heaven,

The brilliant sunshine poured in

From the hollows of the great canopy’s fold.

The sun-kissed leaves swayed with the wind,

Whispered a kiss upon the waiting earth.

Under a large, gnarled tree, I was,

Awakening to a world,

That felt so familiar, yet so peculiar.

Dazed and breathless,

My eyes leapt through the world I was in.

Moments tiptoed past me,

When I heard an echo in the distance.

Hooves of horses trotting,

The turning wooden wheels of a cart,

I moved to the edge of the forestry nook.

From the misty fog, a lone cart slowly emerged,

And there I saw an old man riding.

Cloaked in a great grey robe he sat,

With a tall blue hat, its point askew,

And a long, silver, scraggy beard he had.

A splendid brown horse strode past,

Until the cart drew still before my feet.

“Care to join me, my lady?”

The old man asked with a bijou smile.

The wanderlust filled mind of mine

Took quiet steps towards him

And climbed into the cart.

“May I ask who you are, kind sir?”

I inquired, tinted with curiosity.

He held his pipe close to his dry lips,

As he took a puff

And made rings with the smoke.

“Gandalf the Grey”

Replied the man,

While he gently tugged the reins of the horse.

The air brimmed with zeal,

As I rose and gazed beyond

Past the stony bridge, into the grassy meadows,

Where many little folk frolicked around.

Amidst my spirit soared with delight,

“Welcome to Arda1, my lady”

Gandalf whispered softly in my ear,

With a gleeful smile.

Little homes with rounded doors,

Filled the sight of the rolling hills,

As the cart climbed higher on the winding trail.

Until the final hill-home drew near,

And Gandalf rapped gently at the threshold.

“Welcome! Welcome!

The voices chimed, two little men at the door.

“Come in Gandalf, come in dear!”

Beseeched one with white curls.

“Thank you Bilbo”

Gandalf replied warmly.

“These, my lady, are the hobbits of the Shire,

Bilbo and Frodo Baggins”

He introduced,

As I sat down on a little wooden stool.

At sun fall,

A dainty cup of chamomile tea I had,

Before the company set across the lea.

Off with Gandalf I was,

On a galloping horse named ‘Shadowfax’

That ran as smoothly as a swift stream.

Ere long, the path ahead laid zig-zag,

Next to a steep drop of the valley,

Where the azure mirror of the heavens

Laid streaming down the mountains,

Wreathed by the lush growth of pine trees.

By the gates of the safe haven,

Four men stood awaiting the arrival

Of the grey cloaked wizard, Gandalf,

And I beheld as they greeted,

With delight and fervour.

A brief pause for a moment,

before they turned to me,

“Legolas Greenleaf, this is Rivendell

Gi nathlam hí2, Hiril vuin,3”

Said the tall, lithe man

With pointed ears.

Next to him stood a man,

With a stern yet softened look upon his face.

“I am Aragorn, greetings” he spoke,

With a gentle kiss pressed upon my hand.

And at last a steady nod,

From the dwarf they called, Gimli.

“Thank you, dear all”

I said graciously.

In the chambers of Rivendell,

A room was offered,

Before the fellowship set forth,

In their arduous quest

To cast the ‘One Ring’ into flame.

Alone by the window,

I quietly stood, clutching a book

My gaze fell on the

Soft waves of the river,

When Gandalf came in, one last time.

“Gandalf?”

I asked inquisitively, my voice woven with dolour.

He paused,

“Yes?”

“Why birth a wonder, so dark and grand,

Forged from fire, by the skilful hands of its master,

If time shall turn it all to dust

And silence its once-held power to rule them all?”

I whispered in a low tone.

The leaves of the oak and beech trees,

Murmured secrets that only they knew,

As Gandalf slowly came to the window,

And watched the ring bearer.

“With great power comes great responsibility.

I am sure you are familiar with that

Ever-so-famous quote, young lady,”

Calmly spoke Gandalf.

“Not all things made endure, nor should they,

Some are forged not to last, but to teach,

The same way, the fire that forged the Ring

Will also light the path to end it”

He said with a soft smile,

And a glisten in his eyes beneath the brim.

One last sigh of bliss,

And I bid farewell to,

The Fellowship of the Ring,

That drifted away on the tranquil water.

Moving away from the curtains,

I crawled on to the bed,

The elven sheets and silken thread,

Where I drifted into a slumber so serene.

On a cotton-thread bed I was,

When I heard a faint whisper in my ear:

“Even the smallest person,

Can change the course of the future.”

Before I awoke,

Sunshine poured in to my room,

Through the latticed glass,

Upon the book that I read,

“The Lord Of The Rings”

- P.K. Senandee Thisansa Jayalath

Arda1- In Lord of the Rings, Arda is the name of the world, essentially Earth, where all people of the middle earth

lived and the stories took place in

Gi nathlam hí2- The Sindarin translation for “We welcome you here”

Hiril vuin3- The Sindarin translation for “Beloved Lady”

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the written word in its myriad forms. This prestigious event invites writers from around the world to contribute their unique voices to the global tapestry of literature. It provides a platform for poets and storytellers to showcase their creativity and engage with a community of like-minded individuals passionate about the arts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senandee Jayalath for sharing "Awakening in the Whispers of Arda" with us at the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poetic vision and ability to transport readers to fantastical realms are truly inspiring. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative journey in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.