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.
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Comments5
A fine write Alan.
Thanks for your visit to the fair Steve. Take care of yourself.
Ex animo, Alan
ANGELA HERE ~ Oooooo ALAN - Im so so Jealous of your Chestnut (lovely colour) Mare (better temprement for Dressage !) I used to ride a lot when I was Younger - especially on my Grandparents Farm in Sevilla ! Sailing & Riding are my two passions in Sport. We are not starting our Family until COVID 19 is under control = bu Brian has promised me - when we have a Family - I can have a Bown Labrador & A Pony ! Thanks for sharing !
Blessings & Peace to You & Yours
Love Angela - Brian & Smokey Cat !!!
Hi Angela.
A Labrador and a pony. What else could you ask for? Here on the moors of Yorkshire is one of the best places in the world to ride I think. I wonder, though, when you go sailing and riding how you get the horse into the boat!
Thanks for a kind comment
Ex animo, Alan
You had to travel for that one - didn't you? Needed horse had to go?
I tripped over at the first fence - the Widecombe Fair: but once I realised (after a quick recce) that it wasn't an Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all in terms of number of lines, I settled down and thoroughly enjoyed the short trip - the story telling, form pace and suspense.
Good stuff.
Regards Dave
Hi Dave.
The real fair was Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England but no one outside the area will of heard of that. I think 'Widecombe Fair' has a nice ring to it and, of course, the old song where they all travel there on an old grey mare springs to mind. Tom Cobley was everyone's uncle.
I am pleased that you enjoyed the tale and my kindest regards to you all in Australia.
Alan.
beautifully constructed,
as ever I am left in awe at Poetry's endless wonder, to think such a subject can yield the most emotive of Poetic of content,
what an immersive and vivid write
'The gavel falls ~ slam!
How gladsome I am,
As she sleeps in my stable tonight.'
Hello LBM.
I am pleased that you enjoyed 'The Widecombe Fair Chestnut Mare'. I like to write poems themed on horses. It is kind of you to comment on my piece. I see that you enjoy Sylvia Plath. The lady is buried quite close to where I live here in Yorkshire.
Kind regards, Alan
Thanks ASJ it canters along nicely this pony tail and evokes memories of Appleby and watching stables run out on Southport beach.
You very much capture the tensions of bidding!
Thanks for your visit and comment today RDS. Appleby is a crazy time, The river is awash with horses.
Kind regards, Alan
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