Alas, this year was not to be
A triumph in the swim,
Large pool scared little J, you see;
The view she took was dim
Of needing to swim all that way;
At half-way point, two times, said, ‘Nay!’
When she ran out of vim.
While older R made brave attempt
At fifteen hundred, timed,
At first, quite speedily she went,
At rate she had been primed,
But then a nasty stitch set in,
Nine hundred, now too slow to win,
So out of pool she climbed.
It is a better thing to try,
And fail, than not at all
Responding to a challenge cry,
Or answering a call,
Next year, the challenges anew,
Are something they know how to do,
And they’ll be standing tall.
Those are impressive challenges for the little girls. At 8 I couldn’t even swim yet, only learnt it at age 10. Give them hugs from me and tell them both that I think they are champions! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do – thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such brave girls. Bravo for their guts and determination. Next time they’ll go further.
LikeLike
It was a valiant attempt indeed – and they WILL get there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That length would scare me too! Well done to both for trying. They must have the intrepid Noble genes!
LikeLike
It is a daunting sight, indeed!
Intrepid – or a bit nuts?
LikeLike
Everyone has to start somewhere. Valiantly attempt!
Good to have an “unreachable” goal – and then to conquer it after great effort. Applause for setting her up for determination and persistence in life.
(and swimming is so good)
LikeLike
They are understandably disappointed. Pity the opportunity only comes once annually – I’m sure in a month or so they would both be ready.
LikeLiked by 1 person
18 laps at 8? (Applause)
The little one will overcome her qualms.
Their education ressembles mine. 🙂
They are riding too, correct?
Fencing?
LikeLiked by 1 person
She actually completed 16 laps at not-quite-six – but then there was no time limit on that badge. She was then at half the speed now required.
Riding, yes. I have also given them a basic introduction to fencing – that reminds me to persist if I can dig out my foils and masks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a true gentleman. Might I ask what is your preferred weapon of choice? Foil (with a French grip of course), sabre or épée? 🙂
LikeLike
Foil, ever time. As mad teenagers we used to settle differences or issue challenges to bouts topless (but masked) – and without protective clothing the sabre and épée can REALLY hurt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it can. Masks were indispensable though. I can imagine the scene. I used to do the same with my best friend in Kenya. En garde!
LikeLike
Completely crazy, the lot of us – but in a more healthy way than the modern modes of expression!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tout-à-fait d’accord.
LikeLike
Oh, and what about archery?
LikeLiked by 2 people
No. No. Out of bounds. A bow and arrow are unfit for a gentleman who can only use his sword to avenge the widow and the orphan… (I did practice the bow in secret) 😉
LikeLike
If the villain is shooting arrows at one, it is nice to know how to shoot some back. And, it is fun. I still have bows and foils.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. And I envy you. My foils were thrown out by my parents when they sold the country house in Normandy… 😦
LikeLike
That was cruel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally. And so unnecessary. Haven’t fully recovered yet. 😉
LikeLike