The Joyful Knight

I wandered by the turney side

With spring's sweet heat around me

My fingers braiding daisy crowns

And my eyes shaded from the light.

The squire was donning armour

And she bade me stand beside her

I wondered that a woman

Found the strength to face that fight.

'Oh what a joyful life have I,'

She told me, 'neath that open sky,

'My knight is there upon the field:

How fortunate am I...

For when I think to fail and yield

One word from him inspires me.'

She bade me watch him closely

And she pointed out his shield.

I smiled then as she left me

I'd been watching him already

I'd watched that horse and rider dance

And vanquish all their foes.

I'd watched him smile like sunlight

As he led his men to battle

I laughed and watched that joy again

All morning as he rode.

'Oh what a joyful life have I,'

Some noble maid must surely cry,

'My knight is there upon the field:

How fortunate am I...

How fortunate am I.'

A squire may choose what lord she will

And pledge her faith on bended knee

Not so for those who stand and watch upon

The gallery in colours bright

But if that choice were up to me

I'd choose that joyful knight.