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Sunday 7 January 2018

The bumper’s story


36 comments:

DJan said...

?? Definitely a mystery. :-0

Anvilcloud said...

One that I wouldn't have minded enlarging to see what the heck it was all about. :)

But maybe it wasn't about anything.

Tomoko said...

I do not know if I can make a story...??? Those dolls are interesting to see!
Happy New Year, Marie.

Debbie said...

so odd to me. and they are clean, not covered in bugs. it must have great meaning or importance to the owner. the only thing i have ever seen on a bumper is a christmas wreath, this time of year!!!

Joanne Noragon said...

A fisherman on one end and a musician on the other. I think that tells the story of your island. I've heard a folk song about a lost sailor who was welcomed into a warm pub with a party in progress. "Welcome friend," hang up your coat. The party encompassed him. Years later he stopped by. The fiddle was covered, the people gone, the memories lingered.
I think I could find the song if I really searched. It was bumper's story.

Joanne Noragon said...

I did find it. It so impressed me at the time that in spite of my new memory, I could hear it. With permission:

He was stranded in a tiny town on Fair Prince Edward's Island

Waiting for a ship to come and find him

A one horse place, a friendly face

Some coffee and a tiny trace of fiddling in the distance far behind him

A dime across the counter there, a shy hello, a brand new friend

And a walk along the street in wintry weather

A yellow light, and open door

A welcome friend there's room for more

And then they're standing there inside together

He said, "I've heard that tune before somewhere

But I can't remember when

Was it on some other friendly shore, or did I hear it on the wind?

Was it written on the sky above, think I heard it from someone I loved

I never heard a sound so sweet since then"




And now his feet begin to tap, a little boy says, "I'll take your hat"

And he's caught up in the magic of her smile

Leap, the heart inside him went, and off across the floor he sent

His clumsy body graceful as a child

He said, "There's magic in the fiddler's arm,

and there's magic in this town

There's magic in the dancers' feet and the way they put them down

People smiling everywhere, boots and ribbons, locks of hair

And laughter and old blue suits and Easter gowns



The sailor's gone, the room is bare, the old piano's sitting there

Someone's hat's left hanging on the rack

Empty chairs and the wooden floor, that feels the touch of shoes no more

A waiting for the dancers to come back

The fiddle's in the closet of some daughter of the town

The strings are broke, the bow is gone, and the cover's buttoned down

But sometimes on December nights,

when the air is cold and the wind is right

There's a melody that passes through the town

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Fishermen and eagles! It's a Down East story for sure.

William Kendall said...

I'm surprised they stay together!

Elephant's Child said...

An intriguing capture - well spotted. I love Joanne's addition to the post as well. Thank you both.

Angela said...

Very interesting!

Bill said...

Very interesting sight to see. I would love to know the story behind it. Well spotted!

Barbara said...

Surely you stopped and talked to them and asked the story. I do like the poem. It fits.

Jenn said...

Never have I seen a bumper like that before!

Stewart M said...

Well, somebody takes more care of their car than I do. Nice picture.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Well that's not something you see every day Marie. I did enjoy Joanne's idea of what it meant, and the poem 😊

Marie Smith said...

A musical fisherman perchance? A good possibility here!

Marie Smith said...

I’ve never seen anything like it, AC.

Marie Smith said...

They are unusual in that location, Tomoko.

Marie Smith said...

The wreath is interesting too, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

Those are words put to The St. Anne’s Reel which is an east coast fiddle piece, Joanne. Thanks for finding thiese lyrics!

Marie Smith said...

I will post a version of this piece, Joanne. Thank you. It does represent the pieces on the bumper.

Marie Smith said...

It is i deed, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

It is surprising indeed, William.

Marie Smith said...

It is unusual indeed, EC.

Marie Smith said...

I think so too, Angela.

Marie Smith said...

We can only speculate, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

There wasn’t an opportunity to speak to the elderly gentleman, Barbara.

Marie Smith said...

Me either, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. Better than mine too, Stewart.

Marie Smith said...

I think Joanne has it figured out, PDP.

Catarina said...

Some people adore their cars!!! Very unusual. I liked reading Joanne's info.
Thanks to both.
: )

jenny_o said...

No bugs and no salt - highly unusual :) I like the words Joanne posted and your information that they belong with The St. Anne's Reel!

The Happy Whisk said...

How about that.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

They must have been new, Jenny.

Marie Smith said...

I know!