Dance a spice like the pepper tree

We meet at spring on her bonaroo doss

Sweet dona, my spinning Jinny all across

Her lips like candy at the Sugar Shack

Her jubes and lallies I lick and smack

And there is a carnival in her eyes

A wild ride ‘cross dish and thighs

On her dolly lallie tappers does she

Dance a spice like the pepper tree   

My Ferris wheel in midway’s cry

With me her ride jock in electric sky

Bone yard, bone yard I’ve got me plush

Wanton lacoddy now scarper’s blush

Flee to Wonderland in blithesome bands

She’s a crescendo in my jolly hands.

Author's Note

Carny/Polari glossary (some words spoken in fairgrounds since the 17th century)

Bonaroo : wonderful/excellent
Bone yard: place at which employees stay when not working
Dish: buttocks
Dolly: pretty, nice pleasant
Dona: woman
Doss: bed
Jubes: breasts
Lacoddy: body
Lallies (lylies): legs
Lallie tappers: feet
Midway: usually refers to the area of the carnival where the rides are located
Plush: stuffed animals to be given away as prizes
Ride jock (or jockey): someone who operates the carnival rides
Scarper: run off
Spinning Jinny: slang for merry-go-round
Spring: open the carnival
Sugar Shack: a concession or food-stand that sells cotton candy and other sugary treats

Reviews

[Moonie]

This has to be one of my favourite poems on this site. It reads like a nonsense poem at first( I've always wanted to write one meself btw!). I can imagine the immense research you must have gone through. None of the words feel forced, or extra. The poem itself is whimsical and jovial, I really like its tone. I wish i could write like this! Gonna add this to my library!!
Really really loved this one!

[An owl on the moon]

Well, I can promise you whenever I have a bad day I'm going to read your words again! Thank you for your wondrously kind words. And I do so hope you'll write that nonsense poem soon... Your poetry amazes me!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Owl... Carnival eyes with cotton candy smiles...
touches of persuasion and plush surprise of excitement...
your poetry has a thrill on a roller coaster ride....
truly, Pat

[An owl on the moon]

Dear Pat, I always missed your kind words. Thank you so much for riding this word coaster. :)

[Onlyme]

An amazing magical playground of fun delight and romance as well as sexual teasing.

[An owl on the moon]

So grateful that you came to read my poem, Dawn. :)

[Neville]

whispering words soft from yesteryear he called through cupped hands so only she could hear.. come my love there's nowt to fear..... what a magical playground you have created for us here my friend.... N :)

[An owl on the moon]

So thankful, my friend. Yes, there really is a magic that flows through the mystery of loving. Poets know well. :)

[Neville]

no need to thank me.. twas thoroughly enjoyed..

[Rye]

I love learning new words, and This is a wonderful write. Enjoyable read

[An owl on the moon]

Grateful for you to come by, Ryanna! :)

[barleygirl]

I love your poem! I've always been fascinated with the carny life & you paint it here in ways I've never imagined or heard! Even tho you are meticulous to provide your carny glossary, I'm forgetful, so I could not hold onto many definitions as I read. But that doesn't matter becuz your poem is easy to understand, even without being cognizant of exact meanings. The context is easily understood. This gives me a kick in the butt -- been thinking 'bout writing a childhood fair experience, hanging out in the pig barn, and now I'm reminded to include some of your delicious carny details! Thanks for the inspiration! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[An owl on the moon]

Margie, what a joy! Thank you for stopping here and riding the carousel of words. I always loved the country fair when I was growing up in California. And now, I'm eager to remember it again as you awaken the words from within you. (((HUGS))) Craig

[Einstein Noodle]

bravo!! what a fantastic "ride" sir! so full of colorful excitement .. a wilding in the chaos ;) a tight put together piece .. the rhyme so natural i hardly noticed and when i did it seems "just right" ..love the language and appreciate the work you did with it .. its a keeper sir! but i have my doubts anyone can corral that lass ;))
E.

[An owl on the moon]

Haha! Such a joy in your response... thank you! Well spoken! Ah, and you see the wonder that comes in storms of wildness... never tamed like an autumn wind. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

in my youth of 50 ...i stayed together with a red headed Irish lass of 30 ... for about 5 yrs .. and like she told me from the start .. she would not stay forever ;( oh but what a great time we had ... we still stay in touch as friends now for 20 yrs. ;) your poem brings that joy and excitement to me old bones :)))))))))

[An owl on the moon]

What a beautiful, sweet love... to share those years.. and to stay in touch even now. So glad you could feel that joy again! :)

[Crowley]

sometimes I want to say eff you Craig, cuz you are that good. But mostly I envy your talent and want to sell you on the open market for a fortune. You are...I think, the best writer on this site and many other sites.

[An owl on the moon]

Well... dear Crowley... I was about to get a strong drink after a very long day, but it's no longer necessary... Thank you for your amazing kindness. Here, just now... and for these past years we have shared this world here. Wishing you the absolute most amazing New Year you have ever experienced... may your inspirations here tell us all.

[Lilly]

What a sensual and enthralling journey you have weaved with your words here. I particularly loved the phrases:
"And there is a carnival in her eyes"
and
"She's a crescendo in my jolly hands"

Beautiful and passionate throughout. I enjoyed reading this and can say I've learnt a few new words too!

[An owl on the moon]

Glad I could teach you just a few more fun words for the New Year! And so thankful you are back... can't wait to read more of you now. It's time. :)