WHO IS HE?
I think he is a gypsy man, plays a fiddle quite small,
Or maybe a street vendor with a portable stall,
A pavement artist to try and earn a shilling or two,
To me he is quite a puzzle! What on earth does he do?
He seems to have an honest face, a twinkle in his eye,
His hat kind of floppy and the angle that’s all awry,
If I had the money I know I would buy his merchandise
Go home remembering his face as part of my prize.
If he were a tinker man I’d buy all that I did need,
A nice shiny copper kettle but dints I’d take heed,
Some clothes pins ready for a nice windy washing day.
Some redding * for the front step a bright shine to stay.
Yes, definitely a tinker and when he sold his wears
Then off to the campfire his money willingly share,
Have a meal then help make wears for the next day.
Yes, a kind hardworking tinker come grandad’s way.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 2 February 2005
*redding is a paste made for concrete steps to keep them clean and shining
It also comes in brown.