'Twas adolescent passion that spawned my quest,
Discovery of the Jousting Tourney, from East to West,
Roman lineage instruction not given in jest,
Now a yearly gathering to seek the best of the best.
The English Knight more young and fair,
With Light skin of North and darker hair,
Light shone through Mountains, Nay the Dragon's flare,
Where I met that fate, the last of warrior's care.
Our meeting of effort whilst surrounded by metal skin,
Reaching to grasp every strength possible from within,
Bestowing archaic symbols, Coat of Arms descent from kin,
For this was of sport, no characters of King or Anne Boleyn.
We rode with great effort upon the field,
Upon darkness I did rest then retire arms from wield,
Next Morn I did embrace integral lance and shield,
Exchange of acknowledgment now signed and sealed.
A cold dry terrain surrounded us there,
Many a folk attending, but still room to share,
All watching in wonderment to see if we dare,
One leg left and the other not to spare.
For on this day a new bond was born,
That of flesh as lance had viciously torn,
Missing armor did remind this was forlorn,
To Chivalry I believe and to that I am sworn.
The Northerner now holder of competitive respect,
Of all woman warriors it is She I select,
For of the same values she does now reflect,
We have only forward motion as we wish to elect.
In pursuit of medieval combat and this I did find,
Exchanging targeted blows and receiving them in kind,
Of focus and valor, no allowable rage to make us blind,
Such passionate sport does warrant clearness of mind.
Dreams must be dreamt, life is for living,
Some prefer take; others more giving,
If not for sport then Old World feigning,
All enter with desire to prevail, as victor reigning!
Cynthia Morrison
1999/2000 USA-International Women's Jousting Champion
American Jousting Alliance