Foretelling

WRITERS' ISLAND
http://writersisland.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/prompt-8-for-2011-foretell/

FORETELLING

I tried my hand at foretelling, once, many moons ago,

Although the art of foretelling was something I didn't know.

My school (I was then in Zimbabwe) was having an annual fair,

And I agreed to be the Gypsy telling fortunes there.

I sat in a rather spooky cave, dressed-up in Gypsy gear,

With a crystal ball on a table, shining rotund and clear.

I was only fooling, as I have no psychic powers,

But I told peoples' fortunes for cash for several hours.

I worked this way; I looked into the ball with solemn gaze

And simply let my mind roll on in all sorts of fantastic ways.

Then I said, in a rather hollow voice, something like 'Aha!

I can see a relation here, who doesn't know where you are.'

I was never too specific, and I gauged, by the reply,

Whether I'd hit the jackpot or should let this chance go by.

If a puzzled look was all I got, I'd try another tack,

But if there was recognition I'd continue down the track.

'That must be my cousin from England!' someone might gulp and say;

'I've been meaning to write to him ever since I came away!'

Then, armed with this little titbit, I'd continued to fabricate

And, almost every time, it seemed, my sitter took my bait.

It was all too easy, that's why, ever since that day,

I've seriously doubted psychics, suspecting feet of clay.

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GOLD COIN
A Haiku

Something shines!

It sparkles, it glows.

One golden coin in a dark green purse.

*
P.S. Please visit
 http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/2011/02/fanfare.html
 for something extra!