This very strong fighter needed a strong poem to commemorate his very strong presence at Crown. Thanks to my good friend, Mistress Caitlin, I learned about the alliterative verse — a favorite of hers and, now, of mine!
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THL Mikhail of the Kuma
fallen in Spring Crown Tourney, A.S. XLIII
(alliterative verse)
Man-mountain came, Mikhail of the Kuma
Of Thor-thunder born, thirsting to reign
On these fertile fields, ever forging beyond
Rome’s wanton ways, which now lay waste.
Thor’s Mjolnir-now-man, Mikhail of the Kuma
Judger of giants, five joined their fate
Where power of pike, pelt them same
To lie where last, in lethal pose.
Eilidh, Oak-maiden, attended her idled knight
And blood of bull, becalmed the Countess Bard.
Three, then, threat-less, as thwarted lord
Faced his final, fateful blow.
For cat and kit, Vicountess’ aim curtailed
As fire flit, but failed; then five
When William fell, to Warrior-bear.
But eye of eagle, eager hunter
Keen and quick, quail for none
Stood watch and waited, weakening never.
Spanish son and spice trader
Now, Death-Defier, dealt the blow.
And, last, who learned his lessons well
Beloved Boar-King, bade him go
Home to hall, where Hammer-god lay.
Senestre stood tall, the last stand was his
With no clap or clack, no clash from iron fist.
Bested by boar, Bear-Warrior falls
As ancient oak, and silence echoes across the field.
— THL Beathog nic Dhonnchaidh
. . . is a 14th century bard who can often be seen traveling far from her home in the Highlands with her lord husband and muse. If a good tale crosses her path, she will sing a song about it, put out its hair and spin it, or throw it in a pot and cook it up.