Master Lorenzo's Rhyme Royal Contest

At Dreamstone XXXIV, Master Lorenzo will be sponsoring a contest for the best example of a poem written in rhyme royal, judged by himself and whoever else he asks to aid him.

What is rhyme royal?

Rhyme royal is a poetic form that dates back to the 14th century, notably used by Chaucer for several parts of the Canterbury Tales. It is usually written in iambic pentameter, and is composed of seven-line stanzas with a rhyme scheme of ABABBCC. There is no set number of stanzas, and the rhyme scheme is quite easy to manage in English, unlike some of the more restrictive forms of the time.

Rhyme royal is a very simple form
That lends itself to English very well;
Five feet of iambs in each line's the norm.
If you can rhyme line one with three that's swell;
Line two with four and five and you'll excel!
The last two lines think they are both the best
And rhyme just with each other, not the rest.

What should the poem be about?

Whatever you like, as long as it's SCA appropriate.

Do I have to recite my poem?

No, but you get bonus points if you do.

Is there a prize?

The prize for the winner will be a turned pilgrim's staff made by Master Lorenzo, pictured here.