The Bardic Challenge was once again contested at Radburne’s 2nd Anniversary Feast on 19 April 2008.

This poem, written and performed by Somhairle (Sorle) Mac Nicail, was selected as the winning entry.

The New Fighter (lives far away)

With all of my gear, and all of my garb,
I start on my four hour journey.
With anticipation high, and hope in my eye,
I set off for my first tourney.

I arrive in Radburne full of zeal,
And start to unpack my gear.
But lo – I have arrived a little too early –
No-one else is here!

Others arrive, and I pass inspection
In armour all my own.
In may be old, and second-hand,
But at least its not a loan.

After months of training long and hard,
I hope I do alright.
But the lists go up and what do I see?
First bout – and I face a knight!

With sword and shield clenched tight in hand,
I stand to face my foe.
We bow to the crown and then “lay on!” –
A second later, down I go.

The next time around, I come out swinging …
I feel like I’m really rocking.
It takes me a moment, but then I realise
It’s because he’s only blocking.

“Have at me!” I yell to the noble sir,
If I’m to learn I know he should.
The next thing I know, I’m on the ground,
Plantively calling “good!”

My ego as battered as my poor old head,
I decide to forgo part three.
I make my way gingerly to my seat in the shade
And try not to think “why me?”

The tourney is double elimination and so
I get another turn in the ring.
But I think I know who my next opponent is …
Didn’t he used to be king?

After two rounds of shame, without a win to my name,
I pack all my gear from the day.
I’m battered and bruised and feeling abused,
But bed is still four hours away!

By Lord Somhairle (Sorle) Mac Nicail.

Copyright resides with the author and the author’s permission is required for reproduction outside this site.