Written by Kvothe

When you’re lonely and cold,
When the spring day grows old,
The sun meets the western hills,
Cloak drawn against the nights chills,
All that you desire,
Short beer and a fire,
Wide boughs of an ancient oak,
And nights stars your only cloak,

Over the hill towards your fire,
Comes a tinker whose need is dire,
Cold, hungry and road weary,
But his mood never dreary,
His brown long robes muddied black,
Sturdy donkey following,
On his back a heavy sack,
The night-jars love to hear him sing,

“If you need no mending and nothing needs attending,
A wise man will still see the right time for spending,
Enjoy the warm sunshine,
But though you might feel fine,
If you don’t stop now you’ll be filled with regret,
It’s better to simply pay,
And prepare for a rainy day,
Than think of that tinker when you’re dripping wet.”

Hello there tinker,
How’s the road ahead?
I can offer food and shelter,
A fire by which to rest your head,
The stew is warm, the ale is cold,

Good evening boy, I thank you thrice,
A tinker’s debt is always paid:
Once for any simple trade,
Twice for freely given aid,
Thrice for any insult made,
I have much to give so name your price,

My bags bulge with exotic treasures,
Books of secrets and golden feathers,
Dice, ball, a trebon stone,
Bottle of brand, Draccus bone,
I offer one of these,
For the kindness you have shown,
And of that ale, yes please.

Kvothe’s Tinker’s Tale was inspired by Patrick Rothfuss’s novels The Name of the Wind and Wise Man’s Fear – you only need to recognise his username to know he’s a fan of the books. Here, he’s adapted the verses into a new lyrical assortment, developing the author’s ideas in more depth, but keeping to the rhythm and style of the piece. Although Kvothe’s never been featured in Inkblots, he’s a veteran of our writing forum, and many members have even requested developing this piece with music.