Leavin' Riverton: A Poem by Des Seery

There’s this story goin’ ‘round that I’m near beyond it all.
The hair is grey, the muscles sag, I don’t look good at all.
And though it’s true I’m past sixty years and lookin’ every bit,
there’s part of me, deep inside, that’ll have no part of it.

The passion’s there to swim real hard and be at the head of the throng.
My stroke is better, I tumble turn, and I think I’m swimming strong.
The social life’s improving, life’s cup I’m tipping to sup.
And it’ll be some time before the time is up for this little Buttercup!

But it’s true that I am leaving the Riverton Masters Club
to begin the next phase of my life - I’ve retired, and that’s the rub.
I’m moving on to pastures new and touring in a caravan.
But I’ll still swim strong in another club that meets in Rockingham.

I will swim with different people, of that I’m guaranteed.
No doubt they are all lovely folk, the kind blokes like me need.
The kind to have a joke with, women pretty to the eye
and blokes that can swim strongly, or at least as good as I.

We’ll have our social outings and our after swimming caffs.
We’ll engage in silly banter and have ourselves some laughs.
There’ll be friendships to form and set with those from either sex
But it will not be, can not be, the same as the Leisureplex.

The Riverton mob are special, they all get along real dandy
Though a Property Manager that does his job could turn out real handy.
The Captain’s doing a ripper job getting swimmers into meets
and it won’t be long ‘til other clubs begin to feel the Riverton heat.

The Pres is a real driver who knows how to get things done.
He truly lives the motto of “friendship, fitness and fun”.
And the new VP is so much better, she’s smarter and prettier too.
No more will the Treasurer conduct club business inside the gentleman’s loo!

The Secretary is sweet and really keen and keeps everyone in the know
while the Social Director and her team tells us when and where to go
to enjoy ourselves at social dos – they’re planning for one now!
(Remember the Christmas do this year is hosted by Mr Pow).

The Social Sub-Committee, this year, comprises pretty lasses
who have volunteered their personal time to entertain the masses.
And though I mention no name here there’s one who’s a joy to see
and I’m always puzzled and amazed that she’s almost as old as me!

It’s time to go, I’ve said enough though I really could say more.
but I can hear the Pres suggesting I piss off and close the door.
I wish every member of the Riverton AUSSI all the very best
And hope Riverton AUSSI Masters remains the best club in the West.

Des Seery. 26 February 2009