T'was the night before CrossCrusade

T'was the night before CrossCrusade, when all through the house not acreature was stirring, not even a mouse. The tubulars were all stretched andglued with great care in hopes that a podium finish soon would be near.

Crusaders were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of leg searingrun-ups danced in their heads.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed tosee what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes shown in the light, But an orange & greenChariot, led by eight shiny Knights.

With a dastardly old driver, so conniving and cross, I knew in a moment thatit must be Brad Ross. And sitting beside him looking all prim and petty wasthat devilish course designer, that plump Brian Witty

More rapid than Trebon & Wicks his coursers they came, and he whistled, andshouted, and called them by name!

"Now Raynak! now, Potestio! now, Slingsby and Splinter!On, Candi! On, Terri! on, Humberston! and Meyers!To the top of the barrier! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves behind the wild pack do fly, when they meet with an obstacle,they leap to the sky. So over the run-up the coursers they raged, haulingRoss and Witty with their chariot and Swag.

And then, once again, I heard such a clatter the Cow Bells and screaming ofeach cross crusader.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, through the front door thatWitty came with a bound.

He was dressed all in chain maul, from his head to his foot, and his armorwas all tarnished with Alpenrose mud, and Barton park soot.A bundle of Swag he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler,just opening his pack.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Knight, And I laughed when I sawhim, in spite of my plight! He spoke not a word, but went straight to hiswork, handing out McTarnahans to all, then turned with a jerk. With a waveof a beer and a smile on his face he gave a big nod and took off for therace.

He sprang to his chariot, to his team gave a kick, and away they all flewlike on the legs of Kevin Hulick.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he raced out of sight, "Happy Cross Crusade toall, and to all a good-night!"

Good Luck tomorrow Crusaders!
John Wilson