"That perfection is unobtainable is not an excuse not to strive for it." — Paladine, 'Dungeons And Dragons'

The poem was written for 2024's Lyon Bard contest. It refers to the Barony's heraldic device which includes a heraldic sealion (half lion, half fish).

After the contest judging I was one of two asked to be in the "sudden death" finals portion of the contest. We had a half hour to write a 1 minute piece that named the barony's mascot, which I was informed was a merlion, not a sealion.

I decided my piece should be a follow on of my sealion poem, so I've added Morvin the Merlion below.

I did not win the contest, so the merlion is not officially named Morvin, but we will always be Morvin the Merlion to me!

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the MIGHTY sea lion to see.
To their weekly practice I went
where fighters to their tasks bent,
Both inspired and inspiring as I heard their blows ring.
But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the BEAUTIFUL sea lion to see.
Scriptorium and classes were next
With their beautiful artwork, and text.
And mead, and herbs, and garb, and words.
But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the ACCOMPLISHED sea lion to see.
Next to archery practice I went
Where archers their wooden bows bent.
Their arrows flew true, and the misses were few
But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the DUTIFUL sea lion to see.
Their Council meeting was next on my list,
where business was the monthly grist.
All working so hard, their barony to guard.
But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the GRAND sea lion to see.
Perhaps the tourney's the place to go!
There he must surely will show!
I saw banners on high and lovely folks passing by.
But alas, no sea lion did I see.

I ventured forth to Lyondemere the FANTASTIC sea lion to see.
Finally I went to the baron to ask
Why I had failed at my self-imposed task?
With his arms widely spread the baron simply said
The great sea lion is we!

"Why yes I was! I've never met a sealion and just wanted to have a chat."

"Here I am, but you should know that I am actually a MERlion!"

"My pardon sir, my ignorance did show!! How should I address you? Do you have a name?"

"I am called Morvin the Merlion. I am named after the Viscount Sir Morvin of Carrick who named the newly born Canton of Lyonesse!!"

After that we had the most wonderful conversation, most of which is hazy in my brain.

But this I do remember, Morvin stands ready to serve Lyondemere and remains proud of it's wonderful people and deeds!