The thing about jousting
is someone’s getting knocked
off their high horse.
Whether it’s the white knight or blue
is a matter of course.
The thing about jousting
is an extended neck
may not garner a cheer.
It’s not enough to charge bravely;
the winner must steer.
The thing about jousting
is each contestant is given a lance,
but whether the blade has been blunted
is a matter of chance.
The thing about jousting
is that most knights cheated,
and the ones who rode honorably
were likely defeated.
The thing about jousting
is it’s not just about ramage;
the true winner finishes
with less brain damage.
The thing about jousting
is it’s a lot like survival;
to be found the fittest,
outlive your rival.
© 2023 | K.Hartless
Written for January’s Visual Verse.
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
I love this, so fun to read, K. The title instantly reminded me of the 1980s arcade game called Jousting or Joust. Arcades were so fun to hang out at. ❤️
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I don’t think I played that one, but I also enjoyed time in the arcade. I’m a pinball girl. Thanks for the kind comment, John. 💜
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You’re welcome. ☺️
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Really enjoyed this charming piece – love the repetition starting each verse & those unexpected twist endings 🙂
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Thank you, Tom. As a medieval junkie, it was fun to tease out some elements about jousting. I’m glad you enjoyed this. My humor attempts sometimes fall short. 😉
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As a history grad, I know you hit the bullseye here! 🙂 Great little insights.
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Bravo!!!
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Thank you, Tiff. Happy Friday to you!
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an enjoyable poem, spot on; never seen a poem on this topic before but, of course, it’s very topical in that its modern counterparts: gridiron, aussie rules footie etc — incur the same sort of damages —
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Are you still speaking English, John? Aussie rules footie? Is that a warm sock for lounging at home during the winter months. 😉 I enjoyed writing this piece, so I’m glad you enjoyed it, too. Huzzah!
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Lol; it’s a pretty rough game, K, in which much concussion occurs; had to look up ‘ramage’ 🙂
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Super fun. 💜
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Thank you, kind sir. 🏰
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Love the rhythm here and the meaning. Nicely done.
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It’s enough to make people wish It was back in style again
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Well this one knocked me off My high horse🎠👏
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🤣 well, at least you didn’t say it gave you brain damage. 🤣
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No but my relationship sure did😁
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