Twas the Night before Christmas,
What more should I say?
And everyone was sleeping,
In the coastal town of Jeffreys Bay.
I sat awake,
waiting for a Festive figure,
Sitting by the hearth
With an extraordinary rigour.
I had just one request,
It was a short list, I know.
I wanted my own HEMA club
So that the local scene could grow
As the clock struck twelve,
I heard a loud BUMP
And down the chimney someone came,
Landing with a THUMP.
I jolted with a start,
And leapt to my feet.
Maybe my wish had been answered,
Now wouldn't that be sweet?!
And out he stepped from the chimney,
By his side a squire.
With a sword in hand, and a beard on his chin,
It was Joachim Meyer!
"Master Meyer!" I cried,
"I knew you would appear!"
"Please give me a HEMA club"
"So I can introduce the art here!"
Meyer scowled in German.
"Don't be a twit."
"The mastery to teach can't just be given"
"But you better not quit!"
"Take this sword and practise,"
"Never skip a day"
"Learn it slowly and well,"
"That is the only way."
"Don't act in haste,"
"This won't be done overnight."
"In time you'll find others,"
"Who share your will to fight."
"And don't give up hope,"
"All your heroes had a small start."
"Now they're filming the HEMA videos,"
"Which you memorise by heart."
I accepted the sword,
A nylon waster coloured white.
"I'll do like you suggested"
"And I'll do it right."
"I'll master the steps and guards,"
"And all the skills I can hone."
"And a Google search proves,"
"I'm never truly training alone."
Meyer smiled and departed,
For he had work yet to do.
Up the chimney he returned,
And off into the night he flew
And he left in his sleigh,
And wasn't that a sight!
It was hitched to HEMA masters,
Pulling with all their might!
"Now DANZIG ,now DURER!
Now MAIR, Now GRASSI!
On FIORE, On LICHTENAUER,
On RINGECK, on FABRIS!"
"To the schools and classes!
To the rented town halls!
And teach away!
TEACH AWAY TO ALL!"
I watched as they left,
And reflected on what Meyer had told
My dream was not an easy one
But I would chase it til I'm old.
And finally I examined my gift,
the plastic blade straight as a board.
Meyer called it a "Rappier"
But we know it as a sidesword.
2019 is soon upon us,
And I'll train with all my might.
So Merry Christmas to you all,
And to all a good night.