How to Catch a Knight in Shining Armor: A Poem for St. Valentine's Day

A Poem for St. Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2010

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A Historical Note

In medieval times, the possession of

a large number of domesticated animals (e.g. cattle)

was considered a sign of prosperity and pride.

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Hark! On the hilltop!

So daring, so handsome,

Sits your knight, clothed in finest armor,

On his white steed (so fine!).

With a piercing steel blade,

And manly talent,

He’ll vanquish the foes

And your fears (so gallant!).

But once this nave is conquered,

And tranquility restored,

Your knight in shining armor,

He is, no more.

For a knight’s work is his passion,

And his allegiance sides with the king (his master!)

So when the call is raised,

There he rides all the faster.

To secure his fealty:

Now there (sweet damsel) lies the true battle!

I’ll give you a hint:

You’ll need more than just cattle!

For even stripped of his

metallic outer defenses,

around his heart,

a shield, he possesses.

To breach this fortress,

It is he you must convince,

That his greatest victories

Are fought in the arms of bliss!

For out on the battlefield,

In contrast to a wedding,

The devil (not a minister) is the true master,

And death (not sweet loving) is

Satan’s only blessing.

Prepare yourself, sweet damsel,

For this contest will be hard fought!

But to prove your own valor,

For the rescue of your love’s soul,

No task, that I recall, has a higher honor.

And great pride should be taken,

In showing your brave knight,

That no foe (even Satan!) can best a sweet maiden,

When the reward (your knight’s love) is right.

So off to the skirmish!

Go, I say.

For love is sweetest victory,

On St. Valentine’s Day!