THE NIGHT BEFORE RALEIGH
By Simon Keirle
T'was the night before Raleigh and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
Their clothes were packed in drybags with care
In the hope that the venturers soon would be there.
So Delta 2 had formed, the viagra posse
They walked in the heat and through mock river crossings
The whole first day passed without any such glitch
And all soon rejoiced for they had found the football pitch.
They sat in a circle and reviewed the day clapping
and then fell asleep to the rain's gentle tapping
Delta 2 were nestled, all snug in their tents
As thoughts of pork and beans danced in their heads.
While out on the field there arose such a clatter
Delta 2 sprung from their sleeping bags to see what was the matter
Away to the tent door they flew like a flash,
Ripped open the zip and threw open the sash.
Anchored by pegs at 45 degree angled skews
The tents shone brightly in the fresh fallen dew
When what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a glorious figure of a man, clad in fresh hiking gear.
The tall slender silhouette, so quick and so lively
They knew in a moment - it must be St Ivy
He cried "the valentines tip of the day is to stay single!"
This was certainly no Santa Claus, St Nick or Chris Cringle.
More rapid than eagles, St Ivy he came
And called all Delta 2 ladies by name:
Vamos Claudia! Vamos Lucy!
Vamos to Jessy! And Vamos Tooty!
Hurry up Vicky! Get ready Chrissy!
The same applies to Sem, Sarah and Lizzie!
He sprung with his spade, through his rucksack clip gave a whistle
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle
With luminous tape holding together Will's boots
They still found no shop selling fresh veg or fruits.
Their backpacks were full, littered with carabina clips
And filled to the brim with Ivan's top tips
For all through the day, they walked with profound glee
And dreamt up strange creatures - a hairy dolphin and a shaven monkey.
They sailed over mountains with great ease and flair
But nothing was so inspiring as Kaz's "OH YEAH!"
When darkness fell and the group was hard of sight
Andres led the way, for his nose was so bright.
The blurry old map told of the good progress they had made
So they took a quick nap in the cool breezy shade
They walked all day long, off the beaten track
Until what should they find, but a haunted radio shack.
And as St Ivy stayed to make the evening phone call
The rest pattered down to the crisp waterfall
After four ghosts in the kitchen made Vicky scream
Ivy gently whispered "Goodnight to all, living the dream".
