Chivalry Limbers

Where there once was a bewildering amount of thoughts jousting for the attentions of my mind.
Where the din was such that it crowded out the simple notions... the quiet moments.

Now at last there is peace throughout the realm that is my soul, after years of unrest, after the feuding factions of each hemisphere had battled to the last,

On the field of battle she had picked up the gauntlet I hadn't realised I had dropped.

Limbering up for a battle, swinging the blade, parrying the ghosts and slashing at my demons.

Trained, honed, perfected, a new champion found, a hero to slay my dragons, a fair maiden to rescue my imprisoned prince.

A role reversal, dress rehearsal.*

The trials were many, the foes were legion, and the dangers myriad.

Without inducement, cohersion or bribery, the brave slayer rode into the fray of my mind flashing her blade and striking at my enemies, real and imagined, and when the day was done, emerged victorious, holding aloft a heart.... my own.

She returns it to me, returns it in return for nought.

Now the tournament has concluded, the day was won, as only it could be.... by one who is pure.

Who says that chivalry is dead.

Bowing to the Queen she claims her prize.

I am flattered, I am impressed, unexpectedly I am alive..... still.