Gypsy Curse Poem by John A'Hern

The day a gypsy visited
As clear as memories can be
Wooden pegs exchanged for silver
So hard to come by it seemed
Children watching from a distance
The gypsy appeared as a witch
Distance kept, so afraid
The air filled with mystery
The Mother staunch in her belief
Religious by her choice
Found the silver to cross the palm
Placate the unknown events
This day like no other, anger about to unfold
The air filled suddenly with curses
Back and forth curses went, Father had appeared
Mother crying, gypsy-cursing family to hell
Father returning words fast as fast could be
Gypsy gone, wooden pegs strewn
Palm crossed with silver
Everyone left to lament these memories
Believing through the centuries
Mother cried for days
Father explained to children
As best, as best could be
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