Heather Dale 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.
