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Square Your Sets--Fair and Square Humorous Patter Sayings Contest

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(Images courtesy of poetess' scrapbook 2/14/1984)

This poem was written for "Fair and Square Humorous Patter Poetry Contest,"

Crystol Woods, Sponsor 5/11/2024

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“The Americanized quadrille, or square dance, begins and progresses rapidly in well-ordered patterns within the framework of a relatively compact square, sets of four couples forming its four sides. To the traditional accompaniment of accordion, banjo, fiddle, and guitar and to prompting, patter, and singing calls made by a “caller,” couples perform a variety of movements, all based on a smooth, “shuffling” walk. (Step work is less important than flowing, cooperative movement.)”  (britannica.com)

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It's Saturday night at the old town hall. The Caller’s voice crackles through the loudspeakers: Ladies and Gents, square your sets, Now join hands and circle left. Ladies’ petticoats swished; and men’s boots shuffled across the shiny, wooden gym floor. Bow to your partner, bow to your corner too Now wave to the pretty little gal across from you. Tighten up the bellybands, loosen up them traces All join hands, now stand in your places. Di-si-do, Ladies, and face your winsome Weave that ring, choose your handsome. Allemande left! Use your right hand. Swing your partner, understand? Ladies to the center, “how do you do?” Right hands cross, “I’m fine and you?” Four ladies chain and don’t be slow Hurry up, cowboys, don’t be a schmo! Promenade Gents, take that gal Take a little walk to the old corral. Now half-sashay, crack that whip Is a sure-fire way to end your courtship. Left allemande and right and left grand Promenade home to the beat of the band. Swing with Mary, swing with Grace, Allemande right with old Prune Face. Sorry slick. Some girls are pretty, some are not Gents, you’re stuck with the one you brought. Promenade home, swing your honey, Whisper in the ear of that sweet lil’ bunny. Bow to your partner, bow to your corner, too Yellow rock your partner; this dance is over~boohoo

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 5/12/2024 8:45:00 AM
I dont know these terms, I wonder if they are an American thing... It seems you have done this the way the poet has asked... Nice rhymes here..
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Date: 5/11/2024 5:48:00 PM
Ha this is cute, never heard of any of it, but I'm glad to learn- keep writing :) <3 hugs
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Etgen-Baker Avatar
Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 5/12/2024 4:52:00 AM
thanks for stopping by and commenting on this creation. have a pleasant day, hugs, Sara

Book: Shattered Sighs