The Bell Ringer

the clock maker puts upon the shelf, his latest new creation,

the cuckoo bird appears at noon, but causes some frustration.

it seems its voice is very strange, as if a dying duck,

someone appeared and tampered here, could it be friar Tuck?

known as a fat and jolly jester, he’s seldom seen to pray,

instead you’ll see him every night, skim rocks across the bay.

Esmeralda tends, to the hunchback in the tower,

pigeon droppings lay atop, his gift a blooming flower.

"ring the bell" she begs, as another hour approaches,

soon the ballet will begin, as the rich dismount their coaches.

street lights now have brightened, as another day is over,

children tease the frightened ducks, as they chase them through the clover.

the beggar leaning on his crutch, sings Amazing Grace,

no one seems to hear him, no one sees his wounded face.

the jailer pours another shot, of southern bottled whiskey,

he’s tempting fate by breaking rules, although he knows it’s risky.

the mayor and the sheriff, strike a deal to build a tower,

atop will lay a giant clock, with bells that strike each hour.

Quasimodo seems displeased, as he may lose his job,

Esmeralda comforts him, as he begins to sob.

"lay still my friend, the day has not yet ended,

I will gather all who care, and have this deal amended".

Esmeralda speaks, and soon will gather those who care,

to keep the hunchback as the ringer, at the village square.

and so the mayor and the sheriff, felt the scourge of those displeased,

and left the ringing to the hunchback, and all has been appeased.