The Day the Rum Flowed
Upon the Moon Swept Shores,as the tides ebb and flow,flotsam and jetsam makes it's way.
Carried from the four corners of the world;trash,yet on occasion items of interest;even value makes landfall. Being as it rarely happens few take note.
It must be said though when 40 kegs of dark Caribbean rum landed much ado was made over who should claim it.
Some said it was originally 60 kegs of which 20 had disappeared.
Nevertheless;the mayor,town council,and anyone with connections,flocked to the shore.
A spigot was tapped into one to taste the quality.It was readily agreed by some hundred or so that it was indeed top notch.
Many men and a few ladies made argument why it should be theirs.
Needless to say no conclusions were formed
A farmer with a wagon offered to carry it to the town hall.
This was agreed on and under the Magnolia trees it was laid out.
Hot and sweaty the men called for another mug to quench their thirst.
So the mayor tapped another keg to rousing shouts of joy,and then silence while fishermen,cobblers,blacksmiths,and more turned bottoms up.
By this time the crowd had grown considerably.
Less talk on ownership was made and more on refilling glasses,and smoking cigars.
The day wore on quite pleasantly.The mayor seeing a political boon called for a holiday which the councilmen readily approved,and also an informal picnic to celebrate their good fortune.
Cheers erupted and this called for another libation.
It soon became clear to those less intoxicated that their good fortune was rapidly being consumed,but only one spoke up.
He made a small speech as to how the rum was a gift of the sea,and they should drink it with that in mind.
The crowd cheered,and whistled at that suggestion.
Many toasts were made,and various other deeds done but it was certain that the next day nearly all were hungover,and a permanent watch was established on high platforms whose duty it was to report any unusual flotsam landing on the townships beach.
By lugh
© 2008 lugh
(All rights reserved)
| |