While I was inspired by this strong fighter, I have been, for years, intrigued by his lady and consort, this day, standing and waiting at A’isha’s side. This poem is for her, written in one of my favorite forms.
The conachlonn is an Irish chained verse form written in any number of lines. It may be syllabic at the poet’s discretion, but often with 8-9 syllables per line. The vowel sound of the last syllable of a line is repeated at the start of the next line, and the beginning syllable of the poem ends it.
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Sir Kjartan Daegarson
fallen in Fall Crown Tourney, A.S. XLVIII
(conachlonn)
Long and sure he stood that day
They came as prey to Liones sable paw
All but two felled by Tireach Knight
Right under Gipsies comely gaze.
Chain dance of death for sons of Thor
Boar denied this call for Winged Owles flight
Knightes beloved delayed the pall as
Fallen lie before Castle and Keep.
Weep now, Gipsie, for your would-be king
Breakring denies a victor from The Land
The hand A’isha holds will rule and
Jewels of State adorn Her victory song.
– Bannthegn 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, pull out its hair and spin it, or throw it in a pot and cook it up.