The Crystal Lady

The Poets Corner

The Van Buren County Fair
By Joan Estelle High
©  January 2000

In Van Buren County, Arkansas, they had a fair last week.
So I went up to the fair ground just to take myself a peek.
 I took my camera along and  got some interesting pictures.
I shot at everything in sight both people and the fixtures.

A dedicated group of people called the Fair Committee,
Who know to lose this way of life would really be a pity.
They don't  really mind if they have to work a little hard.
They are not couch potatoes sitting around on their lard.

Unsung heroes working long hours at a often thankless task.
Laying foundations for the future as they preserve the past.
Several generation of people who still love a county fair.
Families spending time together building memories to share.

Tiny Tot Pageants, little sweethearts from the county wide.
Proud kinfolks in the audiences clap and beam with pride.
A loving mother brushes her daughter's hair shinny clean,
The child stands passive beneath her hands, quietly serene.

Young girls nervous and giggly on the verge of womanhood.
Then oh so sophisticated, know that they are looking good.
Standing around backstage waiting anxiously for their call.
For one brief moment feeling just like Cinderella at the ball.

Little cowgirls and their little dudes, sitting tall as they ride.
Their proud mothers or fathers walking at the horses side.
Lots of smiles, lots of tears, they made the riding course.
Well behaved little children and a bad behaved little horse.

The parade was great fun, we saw it coming up the street.
Who ever put the show  together sure gave us quite a treat.
Pretty ladies riding on a car, blowing kisses to the crowd.
A Dalmatian in a fire truck and an American Flag so proud.

Next the children gave us a talent show outside in a big tent.
Delighted the crowd with their energy not charging a red cent.
Stopped at the Exhibition hall, the shelves were a little bare.
I wondered why more people didn't take the time to share.

For those who did , sure had made some interesting things.
They must have the satisfaction that a job well done brings.
So here is my thought, I would like to leave with you today.
This time next year, should you hear, that the fair is underway.

Take time to bake some bread or make a cover for your bed.
You have a year to piece a quilt, or make a tots dress of silk.
You could paint a picture or a post, or help to raise a calf.
Grow a Jack-O-Lantern and carve his face to make us laugh.

 

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