Constance La France Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Poetry/Haibun/The Last Organ Grinder
Copyright Protected, ID 10-1587-792-22
All Rights Reserved, 2023, Constance La France

Written, October 22, 2023
For the International  Contest The Last Organ Grinder
Sponsor, Silent One, Judged 11/22/2023

Second Place

The Last Organ Grinder

The street organ grinder was a musical novelty popular in the 19th century.
It consisted of a barrel organ strapped to the body, it was heavy, and had a
stick to stand it up, a crank wheel moved a cylinder inside to create music.
It was usually a repetitive song.  The poor quickly saw it as a way to make
money, it was like begging, but they gave music.  It was common to use 
animals in the act, like cats, dogs, parrots and cute capuchin monkeys.
The public responded well with dancing and singing along, children loved it.
Nowadays there are still organ grinders around but they do not use animals
but stuffed toys instead.  A lot of cities outlawed them as it was against the
law to beg on the street, and the repeating music could be quite annoying.
The police would receive many complaints.  Grinders would move from block
to block playing their music and accepting money.  There are seldom seen on
the streets but sometimes at fairs and places like that. In 2023, we still have
barrel organ grinders but I fear that they will be the last as it is fading away.


come hear the music
dance a little jig with friends -
                   leave a few coins please  

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Paula Goldsmith November 23, 2023 at 7:39 AM Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! A wonderful write/story/picture/great ending. Yes, coins please!!! Love It... Have a great/wonderful day writing away........... Constance La France November 23, 2023 at 3:30 PM Paula, thank you for the comment, congratulations, and compliment, blessings

Silent One November 22, 2023 at 11:57 AM Your haibun is very informative talking about the lives of an organ grinder... the senryu at the end is a good finish to it.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Constance La France November 22, 2023 at 1:20 PM Silent, thank you so much for the contest and my placement and for the compliment and congratulations, blessings