Margot+Pitney+TCT


 * The Giant's Tale**

Young and jolly lived a musical lad.[1] Who performs under the name of Sinbad.

Baker or blacksmith, caretaker or cook,[2] Out of all the jobs, a tuba he took.

His father thought he would never get paid. Thus he did not like this decision made.[3]

Still he played his tuba all day and night. These happenings gave his father the fright.

As some reassurance he told his dad, ‘I’ll make more money than you’ve ever had.’[4]

Answered the father ‘I’ll give you three days If you fail, you must swim across the bay.’

The promise was sealed with a handshake made. Then came the scheming for how he’d get paid.

The whole night spent picking music to play. He compiled enough to last ‘til May.

And the next morning to the streets he went Where he attempted to make his rent.

Played and played and amused the crowd he did. But their money, to him, they could not rid.[5]

Two days and nights amounted to nothing. In his pockets, still no sound of //ching ching.[6]//

On his long walk home, approached him, a man Interested in the tuba in his hands.

‘Oh what a nice mouthpiece you have my friend, In exchange, a skill to you I will lend.

The trade of lumber to you I will teach. And let this skill stick to you like a leach.[7]

What do you say? Are we in agreement? It is a fair offer, are you content?’

‘But my mouthpiece is an essential part. Without it, the tuba sounds like a fart.’

‘For that, I cannot be of assistance. No matter, hand it over this instance!’

Giving in, he gave the man the silver[8] Because he was frightened and bewildered.

The rest of the night they cut down lumber, Waking up the neighbors from their slumber.

Once the skill was mastered, they departed. With regrets, the boy’s mind was bombarded.

When he resumed his trek back to his house, Appeared a woman, quiet as a mouse.

Good evening young sir, what fine slides you hold They are made from copper, as I am told.

For them, a talent with you, I will share It’ll make you a fortune, watch with care.

Do you have any wood? That’s all I need. ‘Yes I just chopped some, here take it indeed.’

After a few moments of carving, alas! The wood was no longer a useless mass.

Instead a beautiful mouthpiece was formed And she showed him how the task was performed.

The exchange was made and the goodbyes, said. Without a cent made, he new he was dead.[9]

A wooden mouthpiece and no tuba slides He ended with nothing but, hey! He tried.

Ready to face inevitable fate And to become creatures of the bay’s bait.[10]

He wandered home. And for the final time, He stopped and played hoping for a mere dime.

Although near impossible, he played on. It was his last chance before it turned dawn.

In a corner, a man watched and stood by With glimmers of excitement in his eye.

‘That is the most beautiful creation! For your mouthpiece, I have a large cravin’.

It’s the finest woodwork I’ve ever seen For it I’ll give you three magical beans.' [11]

‘You cannot trick me’ protested the boy. ‘You think you can play with me like a toy.[12]

But no, I have heard this story before And I refuse to give up any more.

I lost all I had and now don’t you see? I won’t make enough money for daddy.

When I return my dad will be proved right. Thought I’d make some money, yes, thought I might.[13]

Yet I was tricked by a handful of fools Who made me think my tuba was a jewel.

I have pipes and wood and clothes on my back.[14] They’re the only items I don’t lack.'

'I’m sorry to hear of your failure sir, But I assure you this isn’t a lure.

I really admire your piece of art, And I so desire it in my cart.

Whatever it takes I’m willing to do. A million dollars I’ll give to you.'

'It is simply a piece of wood though, sir. Worth a million? I do not concur.'

'Well I have a lot of money to spare And your story, to hear I couldn’t bear.

So run to your father and flaunt your bills And watch, lad, as with shock his face will fill.'

Handing him the money he took the wood The boy, standing there, believe it not could.

His tuba remained unplayable. Yet, He definitely won his father’s bet.

He did not have to swim across the bay. With his job choice, his father was okay.

With the money a tuba he bought, new. ‘Twas a decision he would never rue.

The rest of the money was never spent. Perhaps Sinbad gave it all up for Lent.

[1] Periodic Sentence [2] Alliteration [3] Appeal to ethos: Father is the authority [4] Appeal to logos: typically one tries to gain a parent’s support. [5] Inverted Syntax [6] Onomatopoeia [7] Simile [8] Metonymy [9] Hyperbole [10] Assonance [11] Allusion [12] Simile [13] Epistrophe [14] Polysyndeton