The Swordsman
As he stepped into his vest he changed into the best
He had to offer to us kids he trained
For yesterday – and yet
I wonder if that best of yesterday
Is yet that something which
We look and long for
Even yet –
Today.His eyes grew narrow, hair slicked back
A noble streak – straight poised to be
Right ready too – his features free
Conquistador arose – as he
His place took up
To noble be
For two short hours
First him and me.His foil held loose with fingers so –
He played with me – as toe to toe
We thrust and parried
Lunged fell back
And watched for openings –
Quick of hand he moved
First up, then down, and in
A hit –
Good point!The other, older, picked it up
Salute of friendship’s wave he threw
Then forward shuffled to his foe
As foils clashed
Then stopped to show
New ways to move
Shift arms with grace
And keep all flexible
In place.Then at the end a free for all
We fencers circled round the hall
Like Pirates daring on he Main
We fought for laughing gold again
Then pressed on forward to the prize
It seized, retreated for our lives –
Our foe with us sat not forlorn
As we all shared
The chocolate coin.navigation