Fair Day

fair day

tinkers came this morning 
out of the melting  sun
like a rainbow in a cloud of dust
their caravans noisily come

music swirled about them
and women's ribbons flew
in their coal black hair red roses
still wet with the morning's dew

rat tat tat on the pots and pans
rat tat tat on their women too
the village men stood stiffly 'round
their faces glum mouths turned down
when the tinkers came to town

the village men burn with lusty fire
for tinker girls are sweet
but never closer could they come
to the swiftly dancing feet

'round and 'round like Christmas tops
skirts high above their waist
willow withy women danced 
while their men  they robbed the place

rat tat tat on the pots and pans
rat tat tat on their women too
the village men stood stiffly 'round
their faces glum mouths turned down
when the tinkers came to town

anxious to be off again
fairy vaner ponies stamped 
flowing mane and tails held high
they pranced around the camp

now at dusk and shadows creep
too the music all must yield 
not a blade has been disturbed
across that empty field
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Robinson Jr. Avatar
October 19, 2017 at 12:24 PM
Such a cool, clever and creative poem, Patricia. It had me thoroughly engrossed from the start ... tinkers came this morning ... who doesn't like a bit of mystery in their reading cup of tea. I know I do. It was such a sweet, delicious read. Poetic diabetics like me gotta watch out for this kinda of rich, decadent creativity. Lol! But it is truly a jewel of a poem. Gypsies, tramps and thieves, baby. Pure poetry by a talented poetess. Love and more love always.
Cresswell Avatar
October 19, 2017 at 2:05 PM
thank you very much I too love to be carried away by what I am reading; to feel an integral part of the tale.
Fleming Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 8:14 PM
Great imagery! Conjures up all manner of colourful pictures...enjoyed this one - a lot, Patricia! Hope you are in good spirits. :) john
Armishaw Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 5:12 PM
Nice, Patricia. I like your playful side!!
Marine Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 9:51 AM
Gypsy lyrics...their nomadic lifestyle, with their " different ways.." A fascinating, rhythmic dance to this poem...you have captured their strange energy, and wily ways. Loved this, and the refrain is wonderful!
Sivey Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 8:14 AM
Wow Patricia, the flow and dynamics of this write are incredible, you have written a masterful poem here my friend! What a glorious piece, so full of action and reaction within your illustrious poem! They all flowed nicely into the night, just like nothing ever happened! Great Work!!
Cresswell Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 10:01 AM
Russell I am happy that you enjoyed this tale. Thank you.
White Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 1:36 AM
Oh wow Patricia! You are allowed to call it Free Verse, but these are lyrics, no doubt about it :) And what lyrics, wonderful! That refrain, it's in my brain, I won't get that out of my head for a loooooong time!
Cresswell Avatar
October 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM
Thank you Darren. It can be called a lyric if you like. I have such a clear picture in my mind.
Shetley Avatar
October 12, 2017 at 9:59 PM
What a fun write, Patricia. I felt like I was there xx
Cresswell Avatar
October 12, 2017 at 10:05 PM
Thank you Thvia.
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