This evening in our flat there rose a flood
That made our rooms and entrance hall a lake
As unattended bath-taps churned the sud
Into a foaming torrent by mistake
Our darling daughter whom we shall not name
Had nonchalantly turned those bath-taps on
Before returning to some film or game
Or following the social pantheon
Behind her mobile phone she lay enthralled
Forgetful of the steaming waters’ rise
Which overflowed in bathside waterfall
And blitzkrieged our apartment in a trice
Too late the cry was raised and taps were closed
And towels press-ganged as mops then stemmed the tide
And floors as clean as if they’d been steam-hosed
Emerged pristine as all those cork-tiles dried
“All’s well that ends well” - wrote of old the Bard
Thus did our flood not clean our dusty flat?
Sadly not all; for as those tiles turned hard
The margin of each one grew thick and fat
Alas our hallway and our bedroom floors
That once were smooth and level, now did change
Into a row of bumps, as slowly soars
From crashed tectonic plates a mountain range
We will sit at the tables in the entrance hall
Waiting patiently for the sea of white faces to arrive
Anxious, nerves are frayed – and that’s just the staff!
Waiting to pass over that all-important piece of paper
These grades will change their lives forever
And dictate which path in life they choose
There will be tears of joy and whoops and cheers
Sadness too when the grades show their deepest fears
Tissues and chocolate biscuits and lots of support
Wipe away the tears and slowly bring them down to earth
Try and get them into university even if its not their first choice
A day of massive highs and crashing lows
But I wouldn’t miss it for the world
Jan Allison
13th August 2014
The invitations have been sent out, and the venue is sublime
A Castle in the country oh how I wish that it was mine
With sweeping staircases in the entrance hall
Crystal chandeliers, oh its perfect for my ball
The guests will arrive in their suits and dresses
Their masks are in place – I hope no one guesses
Dancing by candlelight it is so romantic
Not like at a discothèque so fast and so frantic
I’ve got the most wonderful caterers in the west
Their canapés are amazing, simply the best
Ice-cold champagne served in a crystal glass
It really is apt for a party of this class
It’s secret wedding party for when my beloved and I say ‘I do’
The only thing missing from my surprise party is YOU
07~20~14
Written for Rumor has It Contest ~ Sponsored by Judy Konos
~awarded 1st place~
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