The Parade

The Parade The sun beat down in the still May air The streets were thronged with people there Expectantly waiting for the large parade As it marched its path down the Palace way The marshal music from afar Soon became a louder roar As the bands played gaily down the road And the ranks marched stiffly, straight and proud The people gave a loud applause But received neither glance nor pause From the uniformed troops Each in their smart individual groups Drums rolled and bagpipes skirled Bass drums boomed and kilts, they swirled Trumpets blared and cymbals crashed While clarinets, our ears, caressed On and on still they came Some so slim, some sturdy of frame Some so young, some strangely old Though either shy, cheeky or bold Men, women, boys and girls were there Bearing down upon the Palace square Then the stiff “Eyes Right!” was moot As the president “took” the salute The sun beat down in the still May air Oblivious to it the throng stood there Scouts and Cubs, Brownies and Guides Yes, even Dolphins made the ride The annual May Parade Has passed us by, splendour thus displayed The “military precision” might not have been there But their effort was – And that’s more, by far!