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The Rites of Spring

Excitedly we travelled to the fair.
   As fragrant scents of flowers filled the air.
   Dawns gift of light showing sights enthralling.
   Dewdrops mirror, broken pearlstrings falling.
   Sunshine kisses earth, with warm caresses.
   Springtimes meadows wearing flowered dresses.
   Fritillaries with graceful columbine,
   From deepest pinks through blues to claret wine.
   Daffodils with golden trumpets blowing.
   Streams of silver, crystal waters flowing.
   Bluebells pure sapphires set in fields of jade,
   Rich perfume lingers through a woodland glade.
   With hues so vibrant, swathes of sweet bouquets,
   Are woven into garlands and nosegays.
   We climbed upto a crest and gazing down
   Majestically a castle of renown.
   A fortress stronghold, guarding Everleigh.
   Bedecked with crests and flags of heraldry.
   Where peasants soon will pray, and churchbells ring
   And feast to celebrate the rites of spring.
   Boys and girls, playing games, rolling over,
   Tumble down the hillsides into clover.
   Skipping, dancing, running races, chases
   Painted ladies with their airs and graces.
   Butterflies, sipping nectar their sweet wine,
   From scented blossoms blooming on the vine
   The crowning glory of the Mayday Queen,
   As she parades around the village green,
   To start this festival, an ancient rite
   The multitudes are cheering with delight.
   Maypole it's dancers, lissomly serene.
   Music with hornpipe, drum and tambourine.
   Ribbons of scarlet, violet,blue and white,
   Maids are entwining, lithely to excite
  Their graceful charms applauded by the crowd   
   Small children sing like angels on a cloud.
  The gnomens shadow cast, proclaims midday.
   Fanfares resound as heralds start to play.
   Bold knights in armour wearing battle dress,
   Will display their jousting skills, to impress
   Young ladies, gifts of favours to delight.
   With pagentry and chivalry they fight
   On horseback, gallop thrice beside the tilt,
   Unless unseated or their blood is spilt.
   The longbow archers,such a fearless breed,
   Release their arrows with amazing speed.
   Two hundred yards in flight, they pierce chain mail.
   Arrows with bodkin head and swallow tail.
   Broadswordsmen showing skills and bravery.
   All soldiers who will keep our country free.
   The village churchbells ring for evensong.
   Daylight is fading for our happy throng.
   Campfires alight, and music fill the air.
   Tonight it's dancing with my lady fair.

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