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

[barleygirl]

As I've said many times, you have the most amazing assortment of ideas for things to write about. But this one really hits my heart. I've always been fond of quirky people. I've always ended up friends with the oddballs. I love your portrait, so honest & frank, yet gentle & loving. Perfectly balanced portrait of how the unusual can be so intriguing. Great details, too! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. She was a treasure, that's for sure. Fondest to you.

Chris

[Carthage Thorne| The Wi..]

First of all, this is a very well written piece of work that you have here. The next thing I'd like to say is that the flow of it was pleasantly smooth and not once did I find myself feeling I had gotten over any bumps. The rhythm and nature of the poem feels rather upbeat, just like the drum and drummer.

I'm glad you also haven't given this "person" a name, leaves it a fine wee mystery but also allows for a general interpretation and even gives way to opportunity of being even more relatable. Absolutely love how you portrayed this particular character, and I look forward to reading now some of your other works.

Hope you are having a splendid New Year so far,

~CarthageThorne

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Carthage Thorne and welcome to my page. Thank you for your thoughtful review, gratefully received. All good wishes.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Chris I love the jaunt and the freedom of this woman who you paint with such colorful brushstrokes. Great title too- for she was a true artist- not fitting into anyone’s imposed niche. I can tell from your lovely tribute how much she, her improvised drums, her gravelly voice, her zest and eccentricity meant to you and so many others. Your imagery helps me to see a place I’ve never been but often imagined. So joyously and uniquely English. Very relatable though as I’ve seen and admired so many street artists on the streets and in the subway tunnels of NYC all my life. Cheers to you and cheers to the Lady Drummer! P.S. A little flask always helps the music flow- ha!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette. I have long thought that flask had something stronger than tea in it :) This old lady was salt of the earth. She was immensely entertaining and gutsy. Thank you dear Annette.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

The freedom of different without care or doubt is what makes life a exciting and adventurous place- the dare without a care- oh how i love drums, flutes, any musical instrument that brings your in er child alive played from the heart and soul- showing your true self- sounds wonderful you brought her to life- 🌹

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Kelly, once you had seen this old lady perform, you would never be able to forget her. She was quite unique. Many thank yous for reading.

Chris

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Im sure she was 🌹

[Dr. YumnaKay]

"eccentricity can fascinate
as well as captivate."
I so agree! There's definitely something about it..and the power some have over captivating others through their talents.
This one's lovely. I like how all your writes have something different in them which makes reading you all the more interesting for me :)

[Chris Shaw]

I'm so pleased you like the variety in my writes Dr Y. I do try to find topics of interest. Thank you for your lovely review about this unique old lady.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I have loved the street musicians in my lifetime. More in Europe than the USA. I use to go to Santa Cruz, California a long time ago. Always talented people playing for tips. I enjoyed the poem. Made me see the performer. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

She was certainly a performer Coyote. Very entertaining to watch. Thank you for sharing too.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[Jade]

Love your last stanza here, This is so well written and so well expressed

[Chris Shaw]

Your visit Brandie Jade much appreciated. Many thanks.

Chris

[duck]

going to see someone you love is brilliant and stays with you for ever. to be able to express it in poetry shows how much it means to you. I see you love and devotion and its stunning. big fan of this poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Good morning duck and quack quack. Thank you for your visit. Pleased you enjoyed my lines about that old girl.

Chris