L Milton Hankins Poet Dramatic Monologue

Gypsies

They set up tents by their big ol' cadillacs
Up the road a-piece from our little house
In a vacant lot where nothing but weeds grew.
Momma said, "Don't you go up there and stare
At them.  They might steal you away."  And so,
I stayed a good distance, but I went up.
They looked like normal rich folks to me
Except they dressed real strange,
Big-bosomed women wearing flowered skirts
With ruffled blouses in summer's heat
Men in wide-brimmed hats and bright-colored shirts
Going about tending the blazing campfires.
That night Papa said, "Be sure to lock up
The shed.  They might steal everything we got."
And we did, locked it up, but far as I know
Nothing was missing the next morning.
I went up again because my curiosity
Was stoked, and I got a little closer to see
Better.  They were loading up their trailers
Moving on to some more lucrative place.

FIFTH PLACE WINNER
"2021 Most Significant Poem" Poetry Contest
January 25, 2022

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Paula Goldsmith January 28, 2022 at 9:15 AM Congratulations on your win. A wonderful story filled with memories. Good memories are the best. Have a blessed day............. L Milton Hankins January 28, 2022 at 9:18 AM Thanks so much for your thoughtful, affirming comment, Paula. Have a wonderful weekend.

Beata Agustin January 25, 2022 at 10:19 PM Congrats! Thanks so much for sharing your heart through this dramatic monologue of yours earnestly expressed and courageously declared in your excellent poetic style. Indeed, thanks for your participation. God bless you. L Milton Hankins January 26, 2022 at 11:37 AM Thank you for sponsoring the contest, Beata. This is an account of a true experience from my childhood.