The Old County Fair ©

By Morgan Lorenzo

(Memories of childhood)

"Riddle me this

And riddle me that"

So says the man in the black hat

Waving his wand all around

If you notice,

He's not touching the ground

"What hath three eyes 

But only one that opens?"

"Lad over there, pose you a guess

To win two pence?"

As if summoned, the crowd had gathered

Rapt in awe and wonder

As though naught else mattered.

His smile spanned from ear to ear 

and eyes a crimson blaze.

A flourish, a bow and a wink 

He was set and ready to amaze.

From his hat a rabbit appeared

And skittered across the stage

Oohs and ahhs in a percolating wave

Uttered the young to advanced in age

A dove from thin air

And a damsel sawed in twain

No one would dare challenge

This magician's reign.

As the show progressed

The spell grew stronger

And the biting Autumn cold

Was felt no longer 

Warm apple cider 

Wafted on the night air.

Sticky- fingered children 

Were glad to be there

Cuz there was no place

Like the old county fair.

Slinking through the masses

Like ghosts on cats feet.

A bump, a nudge or even,

From under their seats.

Came the collectors

Of all that was rare and fine.

A fair was never complete

Without some of their kind.

With faces wide opened 

and wallets unguarded 

A fool and his money 

Are so easily parted.

But let's not now grumble

And cause a big row.

Said he the magician,

Relax and enjoy the show.