Mercadillo del Jueves

He sits hunched over his workbench.

At first glance, he is old;

sinew and bone, skin like leather,

but his hands are deft, 

those of a much younger man.

Momentarily he looked up, gave

a gap toothed smile, that made me

ashamed of the amount I once spent 

on cosmetic dentistry; during a time

 when pride, as opposed to pride 

in myself, ruled the day.

Suddenly then, he reached out and

curled a hand around my left wrist.

It made me jump, take a step back,

and he laughed, then in perfect                                

lilting English, said, 

'for your size missy.'

I watched, entranced, 

as with bewildering speed

he wove his magic. Thin silver 

wire linking two outer rows

of multi faceted rose pink beads, 

interweaved in the centre

with blood red, cone shaped crystals

that dazzled in the still bright afternoon sun.

'Real silver missy," he said, another

smile as he dug into a frayed leather bag

and produced a simple spring clasp.

'Only two euros extra.'

I nodded absently, more interested

in the artist, than the artistry. His age 

was impossible to guess; though the 

invincibility of youth had long passed,

and there was a gentleness about him

that older, more wiser men often possess;

and I was calmed, an oasis in the frantic

cacaphony of the street market,

where time froze as he completed his task.

'Thank you, it is beautiful,' I managed

as he held out the bracelet for

my inspection. 'How much?'

'Eight euros' he said, 

then leaned down and kissed

the bracelet. 'you are protected now.'

I smiled, then paid less than the price of a 

taxi ride back to my hotel, for a memory

that is locked in my mind forever.

Lost in the moment, as pride in our species, 

as opposed to simply pride, ruled the day.

Reviews

[Eilis]

I love this, Beccy. Enlightenment is often found in the most unexpected places and our faith likewise restored.

The portrait of the man does justice to his spirit and to the spirits of all those who seem to humbly go about their lives without all the trappings we so often feel are essential.

Just as the gospel speaks of coming as children, so the spirits of some people we encounter speak of a simplicity that allows the metaphysical world to shine through.

Very much enjoyed this tender, sensitive portrait. The juxtapositions between the speaker and the craftsman drive home some very important ideas. Great work.

[kentuck14]

This is quite a narrative poem. A nice story . . . reflection on a prized experience. Keep up the good work!
Tom

[barleygirl]

This is superb storytelling in a poem. I was watching the whole thing as if watching a movie. You convey the fascination I have with people who can produce art with natural deftness. I would've paid the guy twice what he's asking, if the experience is as pleasurable as you make it feel. Having someone write a poem or make or paint something just for you, that's the ultimate feeling & you captured the wonder of it (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[lakinbob]

A perfect capture. Do you paint? If not, you ought to. You gave that moment so much life with your words.

LB.

[wordman]

you never know who you will meet and the impact it can bring,,loved your story

[Samuel Dickens]

I like the way you think and feel. There should be more in this world who're just like you. This wonderful, inspiring poem reveals a heart that truly feels. I'll bet he appreciated the sale.

[Sami Khalil]

This tells me relationships are more precious than gold and silver, appreciating the artist is as valuable as appreciating the art itself and kindness and pride in others achievements are so important. He was making an honest living based on the art form he possesed. He was making lasting impressions as you are doing with your art. I value you.

[Sami Khalil]

" I was calmed, an oasis in the frantic
cacaphony of the street market,
where time froze as he completed his task."

[Sami Khalil]

"I nodded absently, more interested
in the artist, than the artistry. His age
was impossible to guess; though the
invincibility of youth had long passed,
and there was a gentleness about him
that older, more wiser men often possess;"

[Jimmy Yetts]

A loving and inspired perspective.
One artist very kindly assesses another.
Intriguing read, Beccy!