We are truly a crowd of variable quality,
over-given at times to frivolous frivolity.
Yet some among us play the game with a certain facility
with which others would dearly love to claim duplicity.
We are swilling to travel to the furthest reaches of our region,
perpetuating myths of dedication that we consider to be legion.
We arrive with a promptness deserving of a critical meeting,
though most of us are just destinred for the most frightful beating.
Croquet,
needless to say,
is a sport characterised by drama and tense action.
The penalty is severe if you miss your target by a fraction.
But it is not just the swing of the mallet that matters;
get the tactics right and your oppos’ game plan is in tatters.
Then there’s the important issue of refreshment and rest.
This is the bit that some of us like best.
Fear not, our generous hosts have got it all fixed
deserving our gratitude and admiration , unalloyed and unmixed.