Ren Fair

Green Wood Festival

Grass in shaded patches amongst the wet, black loam
Trees that danced before light summer wind
Meat that lie roasting over the fires of coals or of dried and dead branches
Evoked a time of yore...
‘Twas the season of Festival again

Sharp edged weapons were seen to gleam when touched by the suns yellow light
Dull and distant conversations that were carried upon the fresh meandering breeze
Soft music that was lost and was winding its way through the dense forest
culled the memories of generations past to once again come about
as the scenes portrayed before questioning eyes took in all that was at it used to be

Garlands and ribbons adorned the hair of many a maiden
Light whiffs of smoke from long pipes held in hand changed shape in the shadows
Armour bedecked horses whined and stomped in hay-filled stalls before joust
Silent mongrel hounds strolled low to the ground seeking food
Silk threads suspended spiders from natures roof over head
The minstrels played their repertoire of different whimsical tunes

Ruts that held the mud of the passer-bye’s of many peasant travelers and local wenches
and coated the high leather boots of the noble clad feet
Children of all classes played the games of innocence
while their parents took chances on games of luck and skill
Brigands were shackled and were led off to the sheriffs stockade in chains
Lust-driven serving girls awaited with baited breath for one night lovers beside raunchy taverns
Old folk dipped ladles into cool water to sip away their aches and pains and tired
lives as they tarried seeking respite under the days burning heat

Tradesmen forged objects made of glass, wood and metal
Hammered rings beat out the tunes of their pride and their skills
Clouds passed overhead and went unnoticed by the crowd
as evening descended in a soft rush upon the hills

Colorful wardrobes adorned the moods of the fortunate
Drab earth-toned smocks clad the backs of the poor
Woodland creatures sat naked and moved in skittish jerks
They sensed that night would come very quickly to their home in the grove
A blanket of dark began to overtake the grassy moor

Fires burned in the open places
Ale tankards were drained
Wood plates held the remains of half-eaten meats and bowls were scrapped away
that were once filled with vegetable stew
Beggars called for alms as tokens were more seldom than not were tossed
Hunger growled again and it resided their empty bellies
Jealousies unspoken in their minds ignited desperate longings of being reborn anew

Gay sounds as an occasional, delicate ankle bell tinkled
ushered in the closing of a festive day
Soon the Green Wood shall become a warm brown as the days grow shorter
and the air becomes chilled and frosted
We know that Summer will fade away

Shutters were closed
Heavy wooden doors had bolts slipped into place
"Merry part!" was said amongst friends
Medieval customs faded once more into the memory of the past…

Green Wood Festival has come to an end

JWS, 17 September 00