The Tinkers

You cannot say tinker now.
It's simply not allowed.
If we are to be PC.
Not stand out from the crowd.

I love the way tinker sounds.
Memories from my youth. 
Shrouded in woolly blankets.
Scary to tell the truth.

Turf fire smell and welly boots.
Bare legs beneath long skirts.
Strange accents from strange places.
It made them seem uncouth.

Wooden wagons on winding roads.
Cartwheels clanking in a row.
The clip clop of horses' hooves.
Their campfires all aglow.

"Spare a copper for the wane,"
is what they used to say.
The baby tucked inside the shawl.
Perhaps another on the way.

You cannot say tinker now.
That's a word from long ago.
A proud people with unique culture.
I was there, that's how I know.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 2:09 PM
Hello Jean, this is a great poem. you are right no one says Tinker any more. This is so true. But i can think it. Have a nice day my friend.
Murray Avatar
January 5, 2019 at 2:14 PM
Hello again Darlene and thank you for your visit.
Dietrich Avatar
January 3, 2019 at 2:36 PM
Love this, but I guess I do not understand why you can't say tinker. I wonder if we can even say gypsies now! I still say Indians but I hear that is "out" now too! I see you won a contest. Big congrats
Murray Avatar
January 3, 2019 at 6:23 PM
Hi Andrea. It's now seen as a derogatory term which is a shame. I hope you and yours are well. Thank you for your visit.
Horsman Avatar
January 3, 2019 at 4:49 AM
A well deserved winner, in the contest. Jean. took me back to that time,,love this..
Murray Avatar
January 3, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Thank you for stopping by my halting site Harry.
Marcum Wong Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 6:27 PM
I have watched many movies with these freedom loving people Jean. I have seen their colorful wagons now almost all gone. I so enjoyed your poem. I am not sure which contest this won in but I certainly want to Congratulate you all the same! Happy New Year my friend! xxoo : )
Pandit Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 5:10 PM
The imagery you painted is so authentic --it stems from first hand memory. You gave the people and the culture a voice that's been missing for some time. BIG congrats for your well deserved win, Jean.
Murray Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 5:16 PM
And you always give me a BIG boost Vijay. Thank you.
Roper Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 4:29 PM
Love the wonderful flow,Jean, life is all strange. Congratulations on your win.. Hugs Eve
Murray Avatar
January 2, 2019 at 5:04 PM
Hug you back lovely lady.
Gauthier Avatar
January 1, 2019 at 2:31 PM
Wonderful poem, Jean. Well penned. Congrats on your win.
Murray Avatar
January 1, 2019 at 3:09 PM
Thank you Line.
Awtry Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 10:12 AM
Jean, this poem is lovely and so much more! I felt transported to another time and place... and warned that "pc" can rob us of language and history. This is a FAV for me! Congratulations!
Murray Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 12:02 PM
That's so true! A culture like that is so deeply embedded, it's like touching one's own roots. Thank you for stepping back in time with me P.S.
Rodrigues Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 8:36 AM
This is a gorgeous write! Congrats! Fave!
Murray Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 11:58 AM
Hi Kim. I always write best about things I have vivid memories of. Thank you.
Ward Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 2:05 AM
There are not many poems about tinkers, and my contest gave a chance to remedy that. Well done for your sterling second place in it, Joyce. Julia, :)
Murray Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 2:47 AM
I'm thrilled it placed so high Julia and thank you.
Salehi Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 10:27 PM
Nicely done Jean... but I've never seen a tinker ... maybe I'm too young... LOL Happy Holidays.
Salehi Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 6:08 PM
Thank you my dear...
Murray Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 2:16 AM
Hello Pashang and Merry Xmas to you too. Nowadays the politically correct term is travelling community. I remember one of them having a baby girl and calling her Gypsy.
Andresen Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 11:53 AM
- A time you never forget, a great poem Jean :) - I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Murray Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 12:49 PM
Ditto Anna-Lise. Hard to believe it's that time again.
Allison Avatar
December 13, 2018 at 11:05 AM
I've got gypsies tramps and thieves going through my head Jean, what a fascinating informative poem:-) hugs Jan xx
Awtry Avatar
December 29, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Cher?
Murray Avatar
December 14, 2018 at 12:48 PM
Thank you Jan. Your idea reminds me of that song from long ago but I can't remember the singer.
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