By the shore of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, At the doorway of his wigwam, In the pleasant Summer morning, Hiawatha stood and waited. All the air was full of freshness, All the earth was bright and joyous, And before him, through the sunshine, Westward toward the neighboring forest Passed in golden swarms the Ahmo, Passed the bees, the honey-makers, Burning, singing in the sunshine. Suddenly he heard a tapping Footsteps in the cool morn flapping Round the corner came a runner Sparkling, flashing in the sunshine; Eyes downcast in concentration Laces flopping, armpits sweating Dodging branches, rocks and molehills, Coming nearer, nearer, nearer. From the brow of Hiawatha Gone was every trace of sorrow. With a smile of joy and triumph, With a look of exultation, "Hi there matey how's it going? Would you like a drink or something?" Slowly stopped the tired runner Caught his breath and smiled in greeting Sweat drops hanging from his earlobes Spoke to Hiawatha in this fashion: "From the distant land of Wabun, From the farthest realms of morning No flamin tap in all that distance My mouth's the bottom of a birdcage" And the noble Hiawatha, With his hands aloft extended, Held outstretched a cup of water, Which the jogger downed in triumph. "If I keep on down this river will it take me to the highway Where I left my Holden parked up with my clothes in, near a layby" Then the joyous Hiawatha Cried aloud and spake in this wise: "Highway 1 you must be joking nothing more until the ocean 20 k's back up the river turn left at the pine plantation 4k's further long the dirt trails over the stile and through the car park" And the runner then made answer, Stammered in his speech a little, "Holy shit I really am lost the wife will have my guts for garters" Turned his back on Hiawatha, sprinting back along the river Through the mist and round the corner. In the glory of the sunset, In the purple mists of evening, To the regions of the home-wind, Of the Northwest-Wind, Keewaydin, To the Islands of the Blessed, To the Kingdom of Ponemah, To the Land of the Hereafter! On the shore stood Hiawatha, Muttered darkly "Bloody runners". with apologies to Longfellow...
Cool Running 07.11.03.
