Maslenitsa
Irina go out and collect fresh eggs Ivan fetch the longest straw
An excitement building within the home for celebration
Tatyana churn the milk for fresh butter I need more
Customs revived and observed for a new generation
Vitaliia have you clothes to dress the doll in finery
Bright colours to stand out when we raise the pole
Children bubbling over with anticipation and anxiety
Parents struggling to keep them under control
The straw is ready and the lady has been dressed
She stands aloft upon the pole in the village square
A week of carnival and festival has been blessed
Sounds of spring have awoken the sleeping bear
Eggs have been beaten and the butter is in the pan
Add the batter and be sure to make the special toss
Sweet crepes for Mayssa savoury dumplings for a man
Gather around and await the music by the Market Cross
Seek out those dancing shoes for nimble steps in dance
Lads and lassies this is the time to seek out mates
Last night’s dream can come alive so take a chance
Feliks open your eyes and see that Vitaliia awaits
Time to skate the ice and take the Troika ride
Children shrieking in delight at the snowball fight
See how the skaters on the ice smoothly glide
Fireworks exploding in the sky light up the night
The week is almost over and the torch lights the fire
Our lady brought down from high now must burn
Dance with me around the flames as she loses her attire
Sprinkle the ashes on the fields and let life return
Seek your neighbour and friends for their forgiveness ask
The time for grievances to be forgotten has come
Drink to their health and share the spirit in your flask
The week must end in happiness let nought be left undone
Copyright: David Hopcroft February 2023
Park Bench Tales and other writings 