Ragamuffins of the Streets

I love all clowns and dancers, but above all, I love Harlequin, and it is he, whom I seek always, to paint his sweet sad face - his gentle eyes and pointed hands. And to sense for a moment his magic, his mystery: and so through the streets of the old city I have wandered with the ragamuffins who would dart forth from the shadows and after begging for a penny, clutch my arm and look at me appealingly.

Have you seen Harlequin? I would ask them, but they would shrug their shoulders and rest their heads on my shoulder as the silver mists of the day gathered around us like a damp cloak and clippety-clop of our feet on the cobblestones resounded round the latticed windows.

Copyright © Ellinore Ginn. 1983

You'll find Harlequin at the Fair, he told me. Somehow I did not believe his mischievous eyes, but I handed him a penny for his words. Night had taken possession of day and I slept; but as the first rays of the morning sun reached my small room, I gathered my bags and pencils amd made my way towards the river of the city.

Copyright © Ellinore Ginn. 1983

I know that Harlequin loves all animals,
dogs, cats, horses and especially donkeys.

Copyright © Ellinore Ginn. 1983