Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Ballad

The Ballad of James 'Umbrella Jim' Miner

'Umbrella Jim' was the sneakiest scoundrel west of the Missisip'!
Usin' the shell game and sleight of hand, of yer purse he'd gyp.
He'd set up shop 'neath an umbrella whether inside or under an oak.
Usin' three thimbles and a ball he cleaned the jeans of many a bloke!
'Umbrella Jim' was a renown huckster as well as bein' quite witty.
He'd warm up his potential victims by singin' this delightful ditty:
"A little bit of fun now and then,
Is relished by the best of men!
Select yer shell!  The one you choose,
If right you win, if not, you lose!
But I'll warn ye, yer chances are mighty slim,
Of winnin' a prize from Umbrella Jim!"
'Twas his regular trade to deceive the eye with sleight of hand.
He was very adept at what he did and his every move was planned.
The fate of 'Umbrella Jim' as far as I can tell is unknown,
But I'd bet some sucker saw him hung from an oak, if truth be known!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2014 All Rights Reserved

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Lindsay Laurie January 19, 2015 at 12:43 AM G'day Robert... Your ballad brought a grin on me. The old adage 'you can never dupe an honest man' comes to mind. Some folk are drawn like moths to the flame. Thank you Robert - Lindsay

Robert Nehls June 23, 2014 at 5:08 AM I hope he didn't hang from an oak, Bob. He gave everyone a fair warning and none were forced into their choice. A very good look at life. Well written , my friend..... Robert.

Faye Gibson June 22, 2014 at 3:29 PM Most entertaining write... well told.

Carolyn Devonshire June 21, 2014 at 5:22 PM LOL There are still some folks like "Umbrella Jim" playing tricks on the city sidewalks. Got a kick out of this, my friend! Love, Carolyn (Maybe he went into retirement instead of hanging from an oak)

Elizabeth Wesley June 21, 2014 at 3:34 PM You haven't lost your touch Bob, I don't get here often and am glad you are still on the merry go round. Great writing as always LOVE, Lizzie

Nette Onclaud June 21, 2014 at 3:28 PM you spin a tale like a story- weaver, bob... the end came as a rightful assumption... delighted as always!.. huggs