The Writers' Circle

One morning, Tess from Little Dell,
Was washing clothes beside the well,
When Anne and Jane and Cecily 
Ran towards her full of glee.

"Look upon our golden rings!"
"See our shiny, handsome things,
The market stalls are filled with gold,
Hurry before the rest is sold!

So Tess, excited, ran on down,
To see the fair from out of town,
Travellers pointed to their wares,
Their shining, sparkling traps and snares.

Some were pearl (so overrated), 
Others gold (most likely plated), 
These fancies did not catch her eye, 
So with a shrug she passed on by. 

Later that day upon the track, 
A beggar with a crooked back 
Was calling out for drinking water 
And some bread to feed her daughter. 

Tess was wary but also kind 
And gave to her what she could find. 
The beggar smiled at Tess' charm 
And placed a trinket in her palm. 

Tess took the gift and journeyed on 
Until the day was almost done, 
Then came across her friends from Dell 
Fetching water from the well. 

Said one, "Let's see the ring you've bought!", 
Said Tess, "I chose the better sort, 
Though it only cost some bread, 
It's worth more than your gems", she said. 

She showed them all the tarnished ring, 
It looked a poor and worthless thing, 
The metal old and tinged with rust,  
The stone was faded, caked in dust.

They all laughed at Tess' treasure 
They would never know her pleasure 
She wiped it clean and when she'd done 
It shone like sapphire in the sun.