An Unlikely Drummer

(some people stay with you forever, they just have that ability)

Make no mistake,

eccentricity can fascinate

as well as captivate.

She was quirky, a trifle off track,

yet when I reflect on her

she materialises

in a fusion of fondness.

A face with no name,

her unlikely fame

a source of entertainment.

Her eccentricity a pure delight,

sightings in Hyde Park at weekends,

she stokes up the crowd,

like embers, she ignites.

Surrounded by locals,

inquisitive tourists, she gives of her best,

banging a beat on her do it yourself drum kit.

Her zest for life can't be contained in

empty biscuit tins or thirsty wooden barrels.

She resorts to an assortment of songs.

An old medley in her gravelly voice,

grey hair hanging in tangles,

past her prime, let alone time.

She sings of nightingales,

of keeping the home fires burning,

of Mother Kelly's doorstep.

She sang them all,

her audience enthralled by her enthusiasm.

Nothing like a London knees up

to please the punters.

A fanfare for my English roots,

those drum sticks banged, rolled and clicked.

Where she got her energy from

was beyond me, maybe that flask of tea 

was of a stronger brew?

Lady with no name, what joy you gave.

May you forever play in the corridors

of the minds of the many

who still to this day

remember you.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Are you sitting comfortably? Then i'll begin.
Sorry for the dramatic start, but I am guessing this will be a long review, seeing as I have a little experience of quirky. :)
I really like the fact that she isn't named, making her anyone, but still very much someone special.
She certainly left her mark on you, as your homage to her attests to, which is all she would hope for, to be remembered for doing what she loves, in her own inimat...innimat...unique way. :)
Those who tread an unworn path, battle more than just making a clearing for others to follow, they inspire us to follow our own path and beat the drum to our passions tune.
Whoever she may be, I salute her, and you too, for seeing what she was all about.

[Chris Shaw]

I love quirky, I love free thinkers and those who walk off the beaten track. Those who may be a bit different, but do it their way and have that confidence to do it without a care. Many thanks Lorry, I salute her too. Well departed from this planet by now, but she left a bit of her energy behind.

Chris

[Neville]

even without having witnessed her performance in person and on so many occasions it seems, I feel fortunate to have heard of her, via a poem dedicated solely and soulfully to an individual who had a zest for life and a talent she shared for the enjoyment of others .. Now that seems wholly appropriate to me ..

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville for reminding me of the joy this old soul gave to so many. I smiled when I read this old poem again this morning. Well worthy of a poem dedicated to her memory. A real old Londoner:) Many thanks for picking this one from my archives:)

Chris

[Neville]

welcome as ever .. mind you, there are those who say Ringo was one too .. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, you didn’t reckon his drumming then :)

[Neville]

on some tracks he was good, I dont think he was consistent & his son Zak is probably better :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I somehow missed this poem.
It reminds me of all the Concerts where we "danced"
in our Seats... or huddled Masses stood up and danced
as Flower people as the Band Rocked to the Drumbeat of Oldies.
We become "One with the Star". We still sway and reminence to this day.
gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, so happy to bring you lovely, happy memories of the past. Thank you so much for giving this old poem an airing. You are much appreciated.

Chris

[gram linski]

I liked the way your words dance to the rhythm of my imaginary drum, sounds like a great gig, you serve her memory well

[Chris Shaw]

gram a late apology for thanking you for stopping by. Two years is quite a time to wait. Sorry I missed you.

Chris

[gram linski]

what f*****g time do you call this, haha, shame about the football,

[Chris Shaw]

Better late than never gram :)) I have to say you ain't sounding sorry enough about the footie:)

[gram linski]

I didn't say sorry about the footie, I said shame - on you and the entire English nation, couldnae kick a penalty in the baws, haha, take care,

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. Cheeky B. :))

[ratstails]

This is such a reflective piece, it is really enjoyable to read and made me feel like I would have so much fun listening to this lady's music! By keeping the lady unnamed adds mystery to the poem and gives it a yesteryear feel.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much ratstails. She was a character. One of those you don't ever forget. It was a long time ago but I like to think of her now and then. Pleased to meet you and welcome to my page.

Chris

[free will]

Reading this gave me joy about a preformer I've never seen. Thanks for your memory

[Chris Shaw]

I'm more than pleased that my memory of her can spread to others. Thank you for your visit. Pleased to meet you.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

I think I'd remember her, too. Being quirky and eccentric makes her even more appealing and memorable. (Different is good) How well you've told us of her.

[Chris Shaw]

I agree Sam, different is good. Different is interesting. Different is worth looking at. Many thanks.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Ah, Hyde Park...our favorite go to spot in London! There are so many who entertain there....whether banging on tins or standing on soapbox. It's a lovely place to spend the afternoon...and your description of this lady is so vivid, I could picture her. How wonderful she brought joy to many....I wonder if she ever realized. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

She was a performer Lydi**. I think she would have known by the crowds that gathered around her that they were enjoying the entertainment, regardless of her eccentric nature. Don't go to Hyde Park now. That seems a life time away. Thank you.

Chris

[Jamie D.W.]

I love this -- the purity of it all. Even if it was not set in London, the motive of this eccentric drummer will always remind us of that one street performer or even an acquaintance whose primary goal is to make people happy by sharing their talents. It is that passion that we want to emulate, why many people choose to view her performance every day, delighting both parties. So do I. I now want to watch this woman and learn from her.

This poem is simple to read, conveys the messages it wants to portray clearly and teaches us a valuable lesson: that it doesn't matter whether your hairs are greying or not. You always have a chance to live out your dream and make yourself and people around you happy. You never know, your experience might just be the key to fulfilling that simple dream. That's how I read it. I may be off on some parts.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jamie for your thoughtful review. Pleased you found my page. Glad you saw the wisdom in the lines.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

Oh bless, and that generation had its fair share of eccentrics who would be frowned upon today or locked up.
I am the older generation now lol, but my father's generation would speak out and probably be loved for it. Mind they were all Cockneys and would be singing "On Mother Kelly's Doorstep " along with the old lady

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella, she was a real character, quite unforgettable.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Some people leave a mark. We’ll not know what motivates them. Perhaps it’s a deep love in them for fellow humans and a need to touch the world, make it a better place. We all have it but such people go out of their way to make a change. A memorable poem, dear Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. She was certainly a memorable old lady. You wouldn't forget her easily :)

Chris