Those Were The Days

Way before the advent of towns and shops, let alone supermarkets, people set great store by local markets. Self sufficiency was a way of life, but villagers still needed to buy, or barter for, produce not of their own making. Today, Monday's Child has an illustration by Kate Greenaway, of one such market, for which I've supplied a little ditty for the youngsters - or the young at heart - which amounts to the same thing! Thanks, bkm!

The piper played a merry tune,
though dressed in night attire.
He should have waited for the moon
to peep around the spire!

The butcher looked on with alarm
but children ran a-pace,
for music added extra charm
to the quiet market place.

Lady Greensleeves could, I'm sure
sell her cabbages to kings,
or stripey marrows to the poor,
for they were handsome things.

The baker balanced on his head,
with careful concentration,
a tray of pies and rolls of bread -
he deserves our admiration!

The villagers from far and near
soon came to join the fun.
That market day, it's very clear,
was enjoyed by everyone.