Further Experiences of the New Boy.
No. 4 - The New Boy Goes Swimming
by Douglas J "Cardew" Robinson - written when he was actually not a new boy, but in Form IVc, aged about 15, in 1933.
The other day, our teacher said
That we were going to swim;
I was so thrilled I turned to Claude,
And said aloud to him:
"Dear Claude, old chap, I say, what fun,
What jolly things we'll do;
I'll wear my pretty costume
Which is Pink, and Green and Blue.
My bathing cap, too, Mauve and White,
So I won't spoil my wave;
I'll push the little blighters in
If they should misbehave."
I walked down to the waterside,
So eager to begin,
When suddenly, some big, rough boy
Rushed up - and pushed me in!
How awful, boys! I sank right down;
I made an awful splash;
I got my pretty costume wet;
To the rail then I did lash.
'Mid cheering cries of "Look he's drowned,"
I staggered on to land;
To make my welcome all complete
I should have had a band..
I sauntered proudly to my box;
My playmates cried "Hooray!"
So ended my brave, thrilling dive
And swimming for that day.
Hot Breaks (IV.c)
Source: Gaytonian, May 1933
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