Walking around the market, I couldn't believe my eyes,

Such beautiful things, expertly made, took me by surprise.

There was a festive atmosphere,

Lots of happy people everywhere,

Jewellery of every colour and kind,

Sparkling glass brought elegance to mind.

Cats, foxes, squirrels, badgers stared at me from this stall,

A full size sheep was being made, it was a marvellous haul.

The paintings were wonderful, especially of Alford windmill

and the church,

I saw a tee shirt being hand painted, a parrot on a perch.

I loved the slippers, they reminded me of goblins and fairies

and when I was a child,

The pottery was exceptional, the weather dry and mild.

Minerals, dried flowers, woodwork and the cards, things gorgeous to see,

But the rocking horses, mahogany or grey, made me wish

I could take one home with me.

All these lovely people demonstrating their skills,

Who said true craftsmanship was obsolete?

It's still with us and as old as the hills.

Folks are just as skilful as they ever were, I might say,

So come and watch the expert at work, and have a marvellous day.

( from “Thoughts into Verses by Val Matthews Ashley)