Church bells greet the dawn,
Laughter gathers in the square—
May has come again.

Fresh bread scents the air,
Children chase the morning light—
Joy needs little gold.

Fiddles find their tune,
Old boots remember the steps—
Young hearts lead the way.

Hands once rough with toil
Lift in circles hand in hand—
Neighbours become friends.

Ale is gently poured,
Stories grow with every smile—
Time forgets itself.

Flowers crown young brows,
Even age begins to sway—
Spring forgives the years.

No one counts their coins,
Only blessings shared today—
Riches wear no crown.

Sunset paints the roofs,
Music lingers with the dusk—
Stars applaud above.

Morning comes once more,
Fields await the willing hands—
Memories remain.

Life is measured best
Not by all that we possess,
But by joy we share.

Paul Baldry

This poem is part of my ongoing Ordinary Lives – Voices from Medieval England series, a project that has grown over the past two years through research, curiosity and a genuine love of medieval poetry. It has been both an adventure and a constant source of inspiration. Drawing on works such as those found in the Harley Manuscript, these poems reimagine the everyday lives of ordinary people. I’ll be sharing the completed collection gradually over the coming weeks and months.

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