The Ballad of Sally Mcgill

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She called herself Sally

last name of McGill

said she was living

in the trees on the hill

She was as cute as a button

on an old hobos coat

she sang ditties and love songs

in a voice like a goat

she’d juggle and twirl

and spin like a top

she’d sing for her supper

until they paid her to stop

I got to know her

for this was my home

and I’d see her each evening

on my nightly roam

“No one here knows me”

she said over tea

“They only see

what they expect me to be”

“I’m really much more

than a clownish buffoon.”

then slurped her tea loudly

right off of her spoon

“The truth of it is

the truths we perceive

are colored by lenses

of the things we believe”

she pointed across

at the old Arlington Inn

a man with a sign

“REPENT FOR YOUR SINS”

“That man over there

he blames god for his woes

from the top of his head

to the tip of his toes”

“I don’t think that god

if she’s even there

is even aware

or just doesn’t care”

“I don’t blame others

for my troubles or strife

I chose my own road

I live my own life”

She shouldered her pack

and picked up her guitar

“I may be nowhere

but I’ve made it this far”

I sat and pondered

as she wandered away

I’ll remember those words

until my dying day

Reviews

[emipoemi]

This is a splendid combination of Robert W. Service and Dr. Seuss, or so the rhythm paired with the setting/characters evoked. Another great gem! Well done!

[Misterr Remeat]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.