explanation (razo):

I wrote this sonnet (the first I'd composed for the Society) back in late 2001 for a very young girl named Anna Isabella. That fall, I had competed in a competition to become the local barony's rapier champion. By luck, I had made it to the finals (which would be held as a best out of 5 situation). I was almost wiped out in the first three rounds, but I won that third round with the aid of a cloak to parry with. The cloak belonged to the young girl, who had graciously lent it to me without knowing who I was - and was enthusiastic to see her cloak keep me in the competition. I was eventually defeated in the tiebreaking fifth match, but Anna Isabella was simply ecstatic at how well I'd done. I was greatly humbled by her joy (for she thought me her champion, after my acceptance of the cloak) and I decided to write a piece that I hoped would show my gratitude towards her faith in me. I presented the poem to her father not long afterwards, and thanked him for holding onto the poem for me. Now and then I still see them, and I remain humbled that I was once a young girl's hero, and that I helped make a lasting memory in this Society for someone other than myself.