The following story tells how I came to meet Ginger Gypsy Bunny. Enjoy!
FIRST CONTACT
Gypsy life is filled with music
As we roam the grassy countryside
We dance and sing with tambourine in hand
Beating on drums both tall and wide
Beautiful women in colorful full ruffled skirts
Handsome men in vests of purples and greens
Twirl around a roaring evening bonfire
Creating a festive, merry scene
By day we travel in horse-drawn caravans
Trimmed in greens, golds and brown
Passing the time making arts and crafts
Selling to those who live in the next town
Now once upon a time last spring
We gypsies got lost one day
We ended up on the edge of a great big forest
In a field filled with grass and hay
A meeting was called by the gypsy leaders
They all needed to have a talk,
So while they decided where we should go,
I decided to go for a walk.
I found a path leading into the forest
Where it looked like many had gone before
But the footprints I saw were really tiny
And instead of just two feet there were four!
I followed the path even further
As the sunlight started to disappear
And as I rounded a great big tree
The makers of the little tracks suddenly became clear
I jumped back to hide behind the big tree
Unable to believe my eyes
As I looked at what seemed to be a gypsy camp
But it was more than half my size!
Then all of the sudden something moved,
Or should I say jumped instead
Oh my! It was a bunch of gypsy bunnies
Dressed in sparkling outfits of golds, greens and reds!
They too had little caravans
Adorned with gems and gold
And it looked as though they were talking
Telling tales of both new and old
As I admired this tiny gypsy camp
I forgot all about the forest around me
Until I heard a little voice call out
"Hello and who might you be?"
In my surprise I jumped back off my feet
Nearly falling into a large pile of pinecones
"I didn't mean to scare you," the small voice said,
"I am Ginger Bunny and this is my home."
I stared for a moment in disbelief
As I sat on the root of an old oak tree
A brown little bunny in colorful gypsy clothing
Was sitting, staring right back at me!
When I finally managed to find my voice,
I gave an unsteady "pleased to meet you."
"My name is Genevieve" I said,
"And I'm a gypsy traveler too."
The little brown bunny squeaked with delight
"Come my gypsy sister, follow me!"
"Tonight we feast to honor new friends
Under the shelter of the tall forest trees!"
So I sat and ate with the little gypsy bunnies
On a feast of the finest fruits and veggie greens
I listened to the bunnies tell of their travels
And all the wonderful things they had seen!
Then the music and dancing began,
Twirling bunny paws and tails spinning round,
With colorful clothing of purples, reds and blues,
And tambourines jingling wonderful sounds!
And when the bonfire died down
The little bunnies climbed into their caravans for bed
But not before making a soft, warm place
For me to rest my weary head.
As the sun arose the next morning
Kissing me awake with her warm gentle glow
I was happy I had followed the forest path
And for the new friends I came to know
"Visit us again whenever you wish"
the gypsy bunnies called as I walked away
"I will indeed" I called back to them,
"When I have more time to stay!"
I walked the path back to my family
Who were still deciding which direction was right.
I don't even think they realized
I was gone for the entire night!
Eventually my gypsy king decided
It was best to travel west
All the caravans were ready to go
Now that the horses had a good rest
Clip-clop down the road
Traveling the countryside once again
Although I was excited to visit new towns,
I missed my sweet little bunny friends
When we finally stopped for lunch
I decided it was time for a nap
I went into the back of my caravan
And climbed sleepily into my sack
To my surprise it was already full
By something small and furry!
I almost screamed in my surprise
And jumped up in a hurry!
"It's me, it's me, don't be afraid!"
I heard a little voice squeak.
"While you were all getting ready this morning,
Into your caravan I sneaked!"
"Ginger bunny is it really you?!"
I quietly shouted with delight!
"But what on earth are you doing here?
Besides giving me another fright!"
"Sorry bout that" Ginger softly said,
"But my family doesn't travel much anymore,
"staying home with everyone is indeed nice,
but can sometimes become a bore!"
"there's more in this world I wish to see,
and travel far and wide."
"I didn't think you'd mind at all
if I hitched a ride"
I was happy see Ginger bunny
And hear she wanted to stay.
So I made her a bed next to mine
And together we went on our way.
Gypsies love to sing and dance
No matter how big or small
As we travel telling our tales
To each and every one and all
So to you I promise
That all I say is true,
As to how I met the gypsy bunnies
And brought Ginger's story here to you
Now if you care to read on
There are more stories to be told
Sure to delight all who hear
Both the young and the old.
©2004 M. Birster
