Maisie is unconsciously kicking up spots of mud,
and bits of freshly cut grass,
from the bottom of her
Church Sunday/Market Day shoes
(Today it is the latter of these)
over Flora’s pretty white dress,
whom is running along behind her.
Masie is the important one,
for she has clasped tight to her chest,
a damp brown paper parcel
containing multi-coloured ribbons,
just purchased from Mr Thompkins’ Haberdashery
just off the Village Square.
Betsy, the youngest of the party,
and who is bringing up the rear,
squeals loudly as she takes another tumble
and bounces back up onto her feet
with the quickness of a playful kitten.
The temporary shelter of the Barn
at the bottom of Dewdrop Hill
can now be seen in the near distance,
which fuels their purpose
and urges them on at a faster pace
through the Springtime rain.
Jenny, the eldest sister,
is to be married to John The Baker, in six days,
and is at home, with Mother,
busily sewing the dress which she shall wear
on that joyful and special occasion…
and which, in God’s own good time,
shall be passed down to each of these siblings,
come the proper date and natural order of events.
Three Girls, Holding Their Bonnets Tightly, Whilst Running Through The Springtime Rain
(Part V of The Candletree Graves Poetry Sequence)