Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

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Shelley Hansen
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Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Shelley Hansen » Wed Sep 09, 2020 5:36 pm

Well, here goes! I decided to use the second photo as my inspiration, and having googled it, discovered it is Cnr Argyle Street and Miller Road at The Rocks, Sydney, taken in September 1901 - the year of Federation. I was intrigued by the two men walking in the direction of the White Star Tea and Coffee Rooms, and I decided a light-hearted fable was in order ...

TURNING THE TABLES
(c) Shelley Hansen 9/9/20

The year of Federation brought the chance to make a quid
embarking on an enterprise - which many people did.
But Cec and Bert were shady, not averse to dodgy deals -
with blind ambition, caught the unsuspecting by their heels.

They courted Maud and Mabel, but without intent to wed -
they planned to fleece the ladies and then hit the road instead!
For these two girls were sisters, and they said their Aunt had died
and left a thousand pounds - a gift too good to be denied!

The blokes convinced the lovesick girls to promise they would pay
the purchase price to buy a house - then set the wedding day.
But Mabel said, "There's just one thing," and waved a shapely hand.
"We'll do it for engagement rings - I'm sure you understand."

The fellows paused to ponder, but conceded that was fair,
for once they got their windfall they'd have loads of cash to spare.
And so they spent their savings on two diamonds set in gold,
which Maud and Mabel sported, bright as brass and twice as bold!

The White Star Tea and Coffee Rooms that stood on Argyle Street
was where they planned a rendezvous to make the plan complete.
Cec told the ladies firmly, "Bring your bank notes in a sack.
We'll seal the deal and then before you know it, we'll be back."

The shysters passed by Miller Street and shared unholy glee -
they'd get the cash, then catch a train and soon be off scot-free!
But they became a picture of dismay! No girls in sight!
They wondered if the tables had been turned ... and they were right!

For Maud and Mabel pawned the rings and headed for the "Cross",
resumed their old profession (they were never at a loss)!
The lesson? When you plan to pull a fraud, then cut and run -
make sure your target isn't likewise occupied ... for fun!
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Catherine Lee
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Catherine Lee » Thu Sep 10, 2020 6:53 pm

Oh, brilliant Shelley - just love this! It's truly amazing how photos can stir our imaginations at times, and this is a thoroughly enjoyable read - well done!

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Shelley Hansen » Fri Sep 11, 2020 7:02 am

Thanks Catherine! Like you, I'm not sure where it came from ... but maybe it's better not to question that too deeply ;)

The inexplicable working of the poetic mind!!! :D
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:51 pm

Oh well done Shelley - love the story line you have written :lol: and so very true of that area in that era. Excellent use of the prompts
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Shelley Hansen » Sat Sep 12, 2020 7:18 pm

Thanks Maureen - I thought this one might tickle your fancy! ;)
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

Terry
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Terry » Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:27 pm

I love it too Shelley.

Well thought out and brilliantly written.

Terry

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Shelley Hansen » Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:35 pm

Thank you Terry - as I said to Catherine, one wonders where these things come from!! Best not to wonder too deeply, I reckon! ;)
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

Neville Briggs
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Neville Briggs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 8:10 pm

A jolly old tale from the roaring days Shellley. I think anyone would have to be careful how they go down the Rocks even today.
Neville
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: Homework WE 14/9/20 - Turning the Tables

Post by Shelley Hansen » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:25 pm

Thanks Neville!
Shelley Hansen
Lady of Lines
http://www.shelleyhansen.com

"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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