Chance For the Dance

Bloody race horses! Flamin’ ‘Hilly’. He said he had the inside news
‘Put everything you own on it, the horse just cannot lose’.
To think I listened to him; he’s left me right up the creek,
‘cause now I’m ‘stony’ broke. Payday’s not ‘til Friday week.

Well ‘Hilly’ he just gave a grin. Said “Don’t worry she’ll be right.
Here, take a quid and pay me back when you get paid next Friday night”.
“Hang on” I said, “You’ve got money left, I’d like to know how come!”
“Oh!” grinned ‘Hilly’ “I got late news; the jockey said the horse won’t run”.

‘That’s great!’ I thought, at least his quid has put me in the black.
But Andy, who loaned me last time, now wants his money back.
So here I am quid-less; a sad and sorry looking sight
with not a ‘cracker’ to me name and the dance is on tonight.

“Well ain’t you going?” Andy asked. I answered, “Don’t think so,
I don’t feel like walking to the door when I ain’t got any ‘dough”.
“Money! You don’t need money; ain’t you got a rabbit skin,
they’re worth more than a ‘bob’ you know, two will get you in”.

I thought about what Andy said … about what gets me through the door,
but hang on! Here’s another thought. A fox skin’s worth much more.
A rabbit only brings a ‘bob’, but a fox, well he’s worth five.
Surely they will give me change. Three ‘bob’ will help me to survive.

I don’t normally have this cunning nature but times are really hard.
If I’m to deal a winning hand I must hold the trumping card.
When the ‘sheila’ asked for money, I looked sad and dropped me head.
“Well have you got two rabbit skins?” That’s when I brightened up and said.

“Sorry Love I don’t have rabbit, but I have a fox instead”.
“Fine” she beamed, “A fox is great” then she whispered when she said
“Fox skins are worth much more than rabbit”. She checked the fox for mange -
then handed me two hare and a rabbit skin as change.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Delaney Avatar
August 22, 2019 at 4:39 PM
Well strike me pink. Maybe he can bet those on the next race. Had a good chuckle at the outcome. SuZ
Laurie Avatar
August 24, 2019 at 7:12 PM
Hello Suzanne … it doesn't pay to try and put it over someone who is one step ahead of me I reckon, although when times are tough, the need for survival surpasses the straight and narrow. Pleased you got a chuckle out of this one Suzanne - Lindsay
Hinshaw Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 11:12 AM
Another great tale from your very witty and prolific pen, Lindsay. Here's a toast: "May your well of writes never run dry!" Thanks again for your kindly comments re a couple of my recent concoctions, old Mate. Take great care - Bob
Laurie Avatar
August 24, 2019 at 7:06 PM
G'day Bob … it's a real pleasure to share writing, ideas, and wit from the other side of the world. You have given me many a laugh Bob - thank you - Lindsay
Lamoureux Avatar
August 21, 2019 at 9:21 AM
I just love your story! You brought a smile to my lips. Sadly I can’t go to the dance for all I have is one gopher tale and two chipmunks.
Laurie Avatar
August 24, 2019 at 7:03 PM
That is funny Richard … I think they accepted a Davy Crockett hat so you'll probably have to look out for a raccoon. I loved your comment Richard - Lindsay
Curtis Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 3:31 PM
I'd like to see the size of that billfold lol
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:48 PM
Hi Jerry … yeah, but what about seeing everyone carting the billfold around. Don't think I'd like to be classed as a millionaire - Lindsay
Adams Avatar
August 18, 2019 at 10:01 AM
I love a surprise ending and this one had me laughing. Very well penned my friend and another FAV for me!!!....pat
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:46 PM
Hey there PAT … when times are tough it's time for a cunning plan. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't - thanks once again PAT - Lindsay
Mcconnell Avatar
August 18, 2019 at 9:56 AM
Such a great write Linday, penned so excellently with such enjoyable fun!
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:44 PM
Thank you once again Gordon. You'll hear from me later on - thank you Gordon - Lindsay
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 17, 2019 at 10:55 PM
Wouldn't you know! That is so funny. I dearly love your tales my friend. Lol : ) xxoo
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:42 PM
Hello Connie … I must admit that this was a bit like life as I have read, back in the great depression when money was hard to come by, and in this case it applies nicely - thank you once again Connie - Lindsay
Kiser Avatar
August 17, 2019 at 5:17 PM
Haha, mange. An enjoyable read.
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:39 PM
Hello M. L. … thanks for reading and commenting M. L. Mange is not as prevalent as it once was, but wombats seem to be main carriers now - thank you M. L. - Lindsay
Proxenos Avatar
August 17, 2019 at 6:42 AM
Clever and fun write Lindsay - sorry I've been slow in replying - sold our house, downsizing and have 2 months to find something we like and with the business and poetry sometimes it is hard to keep up. I really enjoyed this write, in fact each one of your poems is unique in its humour! Hugs, Jenny.
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:36 PM
Hello Jennifer … you have to make sure your priorities are right; you can't sleep under the stars. You always write positive comments Jennifer. It's why you and you poetry is so popular on this site - thank you Jennifer - Lindsay
Merryman Avatar
August 16, 2019 at 10:27 AM
A great humorous story in rhyme! I enjoyed reading your poem, Lindsay! Blessings, Kim
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:32 PM
Thank you Kim. Always nice to read your comments - Lindsay
Kinch  Avatar
August 16, 2019 at 2:23 AM
Such a picture and story you've woven with your words.
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:31 PM
Hello Elizabeth … I hope you enjoyed this little tale Elizabeth - catch you soon - Lindsay
Cunningham Avatar
August 16, 2019 at 2:15 AM
Didn't do the ancient folk any harm trading in fur, should have bagged a kangaroo lol. Tom
Laurie Avatar
August 19, 2019 at 6:28 PM
G'day Tom … a kangaroo skin is good thinking Tom. There's plenty dead on the roads, but I think the fur trade attracts a heap of protesters these days - thank you Tom - Lindsay
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace