Ms Penny Spark

Seamstress extraordinaire

Once dressed the stars

Or so she declares

Wears heavy rings on

Deformed arthritic fingers

Once melodic voice

Now a hoarse whisper

Used to smoke cigarillos

Developed emphysema

Still sneaks in a couple

So what if they kill ya!

Life is for living

She likes to say

To all prepared to listen

Very few move away

She sits on a stool

In a darkened corner

Sips at undiluted gin

Never quite sober

Most pubs have a "character"

Afforded attention

Treated with patience

Viewed with affection

By Margaret Karim

From: United Kingdom