Marketplace

A pedlar is making a stir
with his mongoose; the townsfolk
shape the charmed circle
in which the creature, nimble
as a dust mite, frolics,
runs up his master's sleeve
(orange velveteen —
and none too clean), faster
than wide eyes can follow.
Before anyone blinks,
the princess needles through gaps
in the crowd — to gaze
intently, name a price
no self-respecting fox
could refuse. He pockets
new-minted gold, whispers
advice to his now
circumspect mongoose.