Скачать или смотреть Paul Atherton FRSA Performing his poem Ode To The Serpies - Burns Day 2024 - Serpentine Lido, London

Paul Atherton FRSA is a member of the Serpentine Swimming Club and wrote and performed a poem for the club to celebrte the Robbie Burns Day swim on Friday 26th January 2024 at 08:30am.

An Ode to The Serpies

Thank you dear George for the gift from your wife.
A liquid rift, in a park that gives life.
We owe Albert a cheer for the end we can’t swim
An Italian entrance, through which we come in.

JM was the man with whom we must give grace
For him it's our Christmas, the Peter Pan Race.
From Dell to Rennie the distance is far
Though Katie will win, so just stay in the bar.

Our rule sticking president, keeps us in check
Ensuring our safety down on the deck
No splashing of course is his main job,
But wait… No, I’m wet… Are you kidding me Rob!

Robin calls to the boards all those that are enticed
Crazy enough to swim amongst ice.
Whilst Stefano clock watches and runs with the throng
To confirm who wins and who’s in the wrong.

The handicap start ensures all is fair
Well the best that it can be in cold open air.
Complaints are most definitely kept to yourself
Or Dani will make sure you are left on the shelf

“Everybody Out” is the end of our day
Simone & Ilyan will sing us away.
The gates are unlocked and the public ensue
Whilst the changing room fills with the shivering few.

Friends and compatriots, the rich and the poor
There’s more of London down here on the shore.
From singers and filmmakers, actors and press,
NHS workers, everyone will impress.

So let us unite to give thanks to them all
Who make our wild swimming an absolute ball.
I raise a glass to the people who give up their time
The staff and the members of Club Serpentine.

By Paul Atherton (FRSA)
26th January 2024

Notes:
King George II's wife Queen Caroline created the Long Water & the Serpentine Lake in Kensington Gardens, London.
Prince Albert commissioned the Italian Gardens at the start of The Long Water as a gift for his wife Queen Victoria.
Author JM Barry sponsored the cup for the Christmas Day Race the year his book, based on the lake, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens was published, which has since been known as the Peter Pan Cup Race.
The Bridge to Bridge Race takes place between the Dell Bridge to The Rennie Bridge one end of Serpentine Lake to the other.

Special thanks to fellow Serpie Maria Brosnan for recording this for prosterity.