Maypole

Spinning round the ribbon’d Maypole
Aprons, skirts and crinolines akimbo
Weave in and out in patterns so dizzying
Pagan celebration of spring’s renewal
Music and laughter cast up to the sky.
Billowing tents around shapely legs
Laughing eyes and smiling lips
Cheeks as pink as summer peaches
Call out to young beaus of longing gazes
Springtime frolic on sweet new grasses.
Planting done. Now wait, and wait
For summer’s magic to cast its spell.
Spinning round the ribbon’d maypole
Joyful rites of Spring’s renewal
And Summer’s promise of abundant growth.
Young maids and swains abandon care
Dancing to pipes and concertinas.
The maids, so coy, faces faint blushing
Flowers bedeck their auburn tresses.
Eyes flash with mirth, feet skip in delight
Hair billows like clouds caught in a breeze.
The beaus so bold, their gazes of longing
Jostle each other with cries of attention.
Laughter dances on air, a delight to the ear.
The Maypole enwrapped in colours bedazzling.
It comes to an end with sunlight’s last rays
Settling in the western sky.
Spinning round the ribbon’d maypole
Spirits becalming, the fires abating
The work is done, the harvest remains
Til the coming of Spring
When ribbons appear,
And once more the young gather
Round the ribbon’d maypole.