THORSDAY TENNIS

IN THE VALE OF CRAIG Y DON

LIES A MODERN PARTHENON

WITH COURTS AND GREENS

AND A TIERED GYMNASIUM

THERE ON THORS DAY

WHEN THE GODS PERMIT

ASSEMBLE AGED WARRIORS

BRONZED AND LEAN AND FIT

DO BATTLE AS IN ANCIENT TIMES

BUT NOT WITH SWORD AND SPEAR

INSTEAD THEY USE A RACQUET

AND A BALL TO INSTILL FEAR

THE BATTLE RAGES, FORTH AND BACK

DESPERATE DEFENCE TURNING TO ATTACK

UNTIL THE GAME IS WON

AND VANQUISHED AND VICTORS AGREE

THAT TENNIS IS SUCH FUN

AND ARM IN ARM RETIRE FOR TEA

Composed by Ray Valadini and declaimed by him at the group’s New Year Lunch.