The Crystal Lady

The Poet's Corner

First Monday
by Joan Estelle High
© 3-7-2005

If you ever come to Texas there is a place you really need to go.
It's called "First Monday", down in Canton they put on quite a show.
People come from miles around and even from many other states.
Converging on this small East Texas town on these particular dates
Peddlers come and bring their  goods to trade and hopefully to sell
And if you can't find what you want, then it just "ain't this side of Hell"
They come in  modern covered wagons, with campers big and tall.
Some folks seem to have lots of money and some have none at all.

They sit up shop in their dirt covered spaces, or in mini malls that abound.
Spread out on make shift tables or tools spread on a tarp upon the ground .
A thing they have in common, a though they share is the urge to make a buck.
Hoping that the things they sell today, will somehow bring them a little luck.
Beat up old pickup trucks pulling beat-up trailers with rusty tail gates.
People walking their magnificent dog, while some dogs ride in crates.
Men pass by carrying chickens home in those recycled orange net bags.
The man selling fruit at his stand has his space draped in Confederate flags.

Tall blond cowgirls in tight jeans and boots know how to strut their stuff.
While young men in their twenties, try to look like they are rough and tough.
Fat round women tie  sweaters around their waist, I guess to hide their butts,
While really fat men, let it all hang out in plain sight, showing off their guts.
Grandma and Grandpa find it too hard to walk as there is so much to see.
So they rent them self some little carts and they travel much more easily.
Finding your self a potty can be a problem as they are few and far between.
And when you find one, there is a long line and you won't find it very clean.

But if  you are into people watching and you do have some time to dally,
find your self a comfortable chair in a place that is known as "Dog Alley"
Watch the parade as it goes walking by, as it is interesting as it can be.
Cute puppies by the dozens, animals coming by, in nature's wide variety
Make sure you find some cool shade and a cold drink for your hand. 
Because even  it is cloudy, the Texas sun shines down upon this land.
For the sun but will quickly bake your hide like unto a crispy fritter.
And  it won't have any mercy on you, be you woman, man or critter.

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