PENNSIC WAR
(Part II - The Merchants)
by Modar Neznanich
While the many warriors
Go off to hit upon each other
(With the greatest respect),
And others follow to watch
This awe inspiring spectacle
Of seeing hundreds of armoured fighters
Sparring in a time tested manner,
Many others come to participate
In another age-old tradition:
Visiting the merchants.
Colorful pavilions,
Bright tents and tables
Bearing signs and symbols
Of a multitude of crafts
Available for purchase
Assault the minds and senses
Of all who would stroll
The pathways of the merchant area.
Jewelry sparkles here,
Armour shines from over there,
Farther on wood glistens
In the form of boxes,
Bowls, platters, cups
And designed wood carvings.
The rich odor of leather
Thickly permeates the air
Found in the various shapes
Of clothes, armour, jewelry
And even as drinking vessels.
Heraldic banners are displayed
All over the booths and tents;
Colorfully fluttering
In the gentle breezes.
A maker of swords
Does business here,
And over there someone
Tells fortunes for those
Who are interested.
Massages of feet and backs
Are offered for those in need.
A small cluster of people
Gather around a bookseller's stall.
Garments for sale, all sizes;
The wares of a vintner too.
Foods and drinks to buy,
And a friendly game of chess.
Row upon row and tent after tent,
Of temporary shoppes fill the area.
So many different things to see,
So many people calling
For your attention
(And perhaps your money),
It's so hard to decide
Which way to go next.
Do you buy this now,
Or wait to see if
There's something
Even better yet
On down the way?
Oh the fun
Of just looking at
(Not to mention getting)
The wondrous things,
That make Merchant's Row
The place to be
At the great Pennsic War.
©1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007 Ron Knight/Modar Neznanich
©2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Ron Knight/Modar Neznanich