Jesters and Jousters
S. Cat July 25/04

Come join us now, tis a day of merriment awaiting
Trillingham village nestled in the deep forest glen
Welcomes one and all in Elizabethan splendour
The queen, her court ladies and all the stalwart men

While roaming through the wood chipped paths
Amongst the trees there stood the barren stage
Patrons are eagerly anticipating each new show
Lively acts, wit and bawdy humour, tis all the rage

Like Shakespeare of olde, the acts are performed
Gifting us each with this unheralded yet delightful fun
Song, dance, humour and magic amaze and amuse
Sitting in welcome shadows cast by leaf-dappled sun

Bursting upon the stage, trading jibes with each other
Men in Tights, their play on words done in ribald jest
Seeking help from participants sitting in the audience
Our hero, lovely princess, vile villain all put to the test

Magician with razor sharpened tongue is our just adequate one
Zounds this knave, pleaded for help, yelled out for a lighter
Received, put it away in his trunk as my daughter exclaimed
See if I buy your t-shirt now, why you rascal, you blighter

So bright, their heavy armour polished to an illustrious sheen
Fearless knights on destriers, each standing high of hand
Lances couched while they await the signal to charge
On this field of honour to compete, the best in all the land

Ladies of Trillingham with voices so full, pure and sweet
Lusty tales of villains, heros and all the naughty knaves
Vendors hawking their wares, flowers for milady's hair
Jewellry, glass, chain mail, knives, swords and staves

Ale houses of good repute, meade or fine wines to imbibe
Ladies voices rang out joyously as they sang a new chorus
Drake as he led the revellers to new heights of merriment
Then into the street leapt these nimble dancers of Morris

A splendid feast this town has served up to all the crowd
Now tis time to depart, our day has slowly drawn to an end
Good food, good ale, great shows, games and festivities
Smiles upon each face as out the town gates we all wend.