The Shopfront Fire

The fire began in the cobbler’s shop

In a terrace of shops that day,

And spread right through to the milliners

That was owned by Mrs. Gray,

It leapt up into the rooftop beams

And galloped along the street,

Burning a swathe through the fodder stores

And the blacksmith, Simon Fleet.

 

The smoke rose into an Autumn sky

And blackened the old clock tower,

It didn’t pause, it was far too dry

For even an Autumn shower,

And Simon said, as the embers fell

To the household servant, Gert,

‘The courtyard’s starting to look like hell,

Get out of that silken skirt.’

 

He hadn’t looked twice at Gert before

And she was so awful shy,

While he was never the greatest catch

With his horseshoe-looking eye,

But once he saw that the embers fell

He was more than kept alert,

He knew the fabric would burn like hell,

The silk in the servant’s skirt.

 

She’d bought the skirt, it was second-hand

From a Drapers along the street,

It felt so silky and smooth, she’d said

From her waist down to her feet,

She liked the line of the skirt, the lads

Would see her pass, and stare,

So like the ladies she aped, she swore

To wear no underwear.

 

So Gert had blushed as she heard the words

Of the Blacksmith, Simon Fleet,

She wasn’t going to show her legs

To Simon, out in the street,

The skirt went up with a sudden roar

And he heard her pitiful cries,

So trying his best to douse the flames

He wrapped canvas round her thighs.

 

The blaze was stopped by the corner shop

Where the fire engine stayed,

And kept from running its rampant course

Along the Grand Parade,

But Simon said it was Gertie’s legs

That had failed her, in her pride,

But caught his eye with a tender sigh

As they fed the fire inside.

 

Whenever they speak of the shopfront fire

It’s as if it paved the way,

The two have said, to the day they wed

And their happiness today,

For Gertie doesn’t have charming looks

And he’s ugly too, says Gert,

But Simon says it’s a treat, that heat,

Under a silken skirt.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[R Smith]

well they say you never know when love will strike but that's the weirdest one ever, she had to go up in flames rather than show her legs and he saved her, happy ever after, very well done David, i'd never have thought of a story like that and that is your speciality, being the first to think of the unusual and original, bravo!

[TPK Stories]

I don't know how you can come up with such interesting stories. But I guess that's where imagination comes in. Keep up the great work David.

[Avinash]

I always knew since early childhood that there is an altogether different world under a girl's skirt. Your poem is a one fiery affirmation of my assumption. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. :)

[alf]

Hahahaha!! Once again you have proven mastery over rhyme and humour, my friend. I was due a laugh and you have given me that, coughing and sputtering though it was!!! (damnable flu!!!). Great write, great read, and great laugh!!!! alf

[Ddwlem]

David,
This is Sandy reviewing A Shopfront Fire. For this poem, I have nothing but praise. Your setting is well articulated, the story burns its way through to quite a fantastic ending.
Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy your skillful writing!

[ANTO]

quite the turnaround here David. I was expecting a tragedy as a result of the fire and silk meeting but it was more than tragic - it was the spark of a lifetime.
I loved the playful last stanza where Gertie says "And he's ugly too" as if thats their in-joke.
Delightful piece DLP.

[Valentine]

Getting steamy in your older age are you. It is funny how people only seem to see the outside of a person and not look for what is in their hearts and mind. She must of had great shaped legs. Valentine

[Marie]

Gertie's shyness almost took her life. I'm glad Simon saved it...and found something worth saving under her skirt...

[Barbz]

My goodness, that shopfront fire lit up more than just the sky, it lit up the fire in Simon's strangely shaped eyes at the sight of Gertie's legs.....Strangely enough, he wasn't taken by her before the fire, merely concerned that her long silken skirt would surely erupt from the flames, as he urged her to remove it.,,,,,and it did!! The canvas that he wrapped around her thighs lit another fire they didn't want snuffed.The heat was, indeed, a treat under that silken skirt! Shy as she was.....do you think she was wearing underwear?? I really enjoyed it, DLP.......Very much so