Alan .S. Jeeves

The Widecombe Fair Chestnut Mare

A young chestnut soon takes my fancy

At Widecombe Fair\'s summer sale.

But a blaze on her nose

Sealed the deal, I suppose,

And the flail of a ruby red tail.

 

They cantered her round in the bull ring

I watched her, as handsome she stood;

I thought on the day

I would, if I may,

Adopt her ~ if only I could.

 

The auctioneer called her to enter

The bidding was due to be heard

When, I tendered a price

And amended it twice

Then followed it up with a third.

 

The offers were bellowed and gestured

And each drove the asking price high.

For horsehair and hoof

The price hits the roof

And is fixed with the wink of an eye.

 

The arena ebbs heatedly silent

Where perspiring droplets are shed.

My heart skips a beat

And falls to my feet

As I just sense the nod of my head.

 

So, finally everyone falters

(And much to the dealer\'s delight)

The gavel falls ~ slam!

How gladsome I am,

As she sleeps in my stable tonight.