M'Lady's Favor

her knight stood tall and strong as
she tied her favor about his arm,
they watched the silk flutter in the
breeze that blew across the field

she smiled proudly before stepping back to
watch him mount the massive black warhorse
dressed in its own battle armor, brightly
colored ribbons twisted in its mane

his helm slid down over his brow as he
glanced down at her with an assured
smile, then took up the lance and knee'd the
charger out onto the jousting field

he watched his opponent on the other
end of the field and as the king's trumpet
sounded he felt his mount prepare to charge,
tightening his knees he leaned forward

the thundering of hooves come rapidly
together as the two combatants draw closer
to each other, lances poised, their silken
favors streaming from armor-encased arms

suddenly the clash of lance on shield and a gasp
of shock from the watching crowd, m'lady's hands
clenched, the light of fire in her eyes, the
sound of splintering wood and metal clanging

thud of bodys hitting hard-packed dirt
followed by groans; sharp-tipped trampling
hooves moving dangerously close, her man
struggles to stand as another quickly dismounts

the ring of swords leaving scabbards
and the grunts that follow each clash of
sword when the men stand toe-to-toe
waging their own private war

when the moment arrives that one
can no longer stand, her knight is
declared the victor and will take home
the spoils for that day's contest

turning to receive this prize from the king,
knowing no riches bestowed by his monarch
could match his greatest reward, the smile on her face,
the love in her eyes as she bestows m'lady's favor