The leaves are starting to fall now and the grass is always moist at dawn.
The sun sets ever earlier
and the shadows lengthen on the lawn.
It’s time to gather up the clips and put away the balls;
stow the mallets, clean the hoops
and await the schedule of another year and its accompanying calls.
Our group is always evolving, with the arrival of eager new players
keen to bring their skills to bear
and test the rest of us, especially the so-old stayers.
Speaking of which I would like to note the retirement of John P and Peter G.
Both have participated for many years, and Peter has hosted too.
After playing a disastrous round or two, would not any of us also wish to be free ?
But the main purpose of this missive is to thank our hosts once more.
Not content to provide such wonderful lawns,
there’s the hospitality too; such great memories and never mind the score.
So let’s get through the coming winter and savour another season.
Dismiss our bog-ups, forget the forgettable jokes,
and remind ourselves that enjoyment is the only reason
why we seek the company of such an odd set of blokes.