Courtly Love

Surprisingly for those feudal times, it was a

refined game of love in which a woman

might hold the power cards.

To prove his devotion and intent

the courting knight was expected

to declare himself her humble servant

to show his unwavering devotion

to obey her without question

to call his lady "my Lord."

Thus, if she sent word to do his worst

he'd lose tournament jousts all day.

And if she commanded him to do his best

he'd route all comers and take the prize.

However refined the motive, he'd stoop

to the cheapest theatrics to impress her.

So, to keep his lady in his sight at all times

he'd fight with his sword behind him.

The best found it in themselves

to live a better life on a larger stage

to be and achieve greater.