Going To The Fair by Corrina Robinson

It seemed like a good idea at the time. We were so much wanting to go to the fair, to listen to the music and see the players, though we had not a farthing between us to spend on the stalls.

We broke sticks off trees and played at soldiers and kicked stones around the pavement but then Billy got carried away and threw his stone at a shop window. We’ll be for it tomorrow because everyone knows us in our blue coats.

I wanted to stay out till dark to see the gas lamps lit and all the brass to sparkle and have a laugh at the drunkards fighting and the ladies raising their skirts to dance.

Most of the boys went back when their bellies started to rumble, but I was a-feared what would happen to me, especially because of my previous transgressions. May as well hang for a sheep as a lamb.

I was sorry though in the night when I was cold and hungry, I wished for my bed rather than a bush and I didn’t get much sleep for fear the watchman would find me and set his dog on me. I decided that in the morning I would go to stay with my grandmother, though it be a few days walk, it would be worth it to see her again after so long away in school.