OT/OOC

The Sword of State is in my living room.

This is a very nice broadsword in a carved wooden scabbard that belongs to the kingdom of Æthelmearc, part of the SCA, a historical recreation society. To anyone outside of the society, it's just a really nice broadsword, a decoration yet with a useable age and weight (if your built stronger than me- my own sword is closer to my weight-handling ability). Airport security would freak if I tried to sneak this onto a plane. And if I tried to carry it as a concealed weapon and was caught, I'd still be doing time. Yes, if someone broke in tonight and I defended myself and my home with it, there'd be a lot of weird questions to answer. And yes, it's very servicible to the task.

But to the society, and in particular our imaginary kingdom, this is the thing held only by Kings. It is on par with Excaliber. This is the sword used for the making of knights, and the swearing of oaths of fealty- the very symbol of honor for which our society stands. It is very heavy indeed in the metaphorical sense. I too have knelt before it and my king and queen, held them all in sweaty palms and made my promises. It cuts to the very quick of what we are supposed to be about. It makes me think of Duty, both imagined and real. I know full well that Real comes before Play, as is proper, but I relish the duality of my gaze upon this sword.

And it makes me wish there was a very real sword of state in the White House. For all I know, we have several lying about. But none have the meaning and weight of a sword such as this. What reminds Bush of his duty? Of his honor? Of his oaths? I cannot feel it's his bible, which every president has sworn upon (because of course, they haven't used the same one). What he does is not Christian in my view. And perhaps it is not Christian of me to judge him either. But I would certainly sleep better tonight, with the Sword of State in my living room, if Mr. Bush slept nearer to his.  ¶ 9:35 PM