London Olympics 2012 Locations

ON TRACK by Jim Bell

It was announced to gathered dignitaries, from across the World,
As the pre-ambling was almost done...
"...And the 2012 Olympic Games
is awarded...to the city of London".

The crowd erupted, in rapturous applause,
The British ensemble patted each other on the back,
Then realisation suddenly hit them..
"Blimey !...We've got to build a running track".

The following day, they held a meeting,
And appointed as leader, Lord Sebastian Coe;
Gave him a shovel, and a pick-axe,
And said, "Right...off you go !"

He scratched his head, and thought a while,
Concluded they must get this properly planned;
As it's called the O' Lympic games already,
Got some Irishmen, to lend a hand.

They decided on a bit of waste ground,
Worked hard, ‘til the land was clear,
Then, as it was nearly lunch-time...
Went to the pub for a beer.

Seb said the job was a Marathon task,
He wanted workers, who were the very best;
They'd be for the High Jump, if caught slacking,
And not putting their construction skills, to the test.

So, taking a Leap into the unknown,
They Pooled all of their resources;
Started to develop the racing Track,
And outside equestrian courses.

From the waste land grew an enormous structure,
A stadium with seats, in hundreds of tiers;
Surrounding the track, with it's parallel, white lines ,
Something to make Britain proud, for the coming years.

They designed a hall for the cycling,
As the Velodrome started to rise from the dust;
With it's wooden track ramped at ridiculous angles,
They thought "More help is a must".

So Paddy asked his friend Ahmed, if he wanted a job,
He agreed, if his family could come too,,,
Soon there were thousands, digging away,
To see the project through.

They dug a big hole for the swimming pool,
But the water seeped out, as they tried to fill it;
So they agreed it had better be concreted first,
And tiled, before they put anything in it.

They decided against the scaffold plank for diving,
Instead bought a proper system, from e-bay;
With high boards, and springboards, it looked the part,
And saved a few quid at the end of the day.

They thought about the rowing course,
Somewhere for water activities to go ahead.
Paddy arrived wearing a snorkel, carrying his spade,
But decided the river was deep enough, instead.

The athletes would need somewhere to stay for the time
They were competing in our pleasant land...
So a whole new village materialised,
As Paddy ordered another load of bricks and sand.

They'd want shops and supplies to cater for their needs,
And medical facilities for their athletic aches and pains;
A practice ground; somewhere to limber up,
And shelter, for when it rains.

They'd want bedrooms and living quarters, to get their rest,
Community lounges to share with the team.
All fitted out with life's little luxuries,
No end to their requests, it would seem.

Then a carpenter knocked up a couple of blocks,
Nailed together, he said "That should hold";
Those two are for bronze and silver...
The top one is for the gold.

"Wer'e going to want to sell brochures," someone said,
"and people will want places to eat and drink;
I think we should include a curry house and pub...
Tell me what you think ?"

Seb Coe took a look at the progress,
And was impressed with what they had achieved;
Said, "Carry On Men, you're doing well,
I am very, very pleased".

Now, the Irish are brilliant workers,
And once started, just don't want to give in...
So Ahmed said to Paddy, "They'll need transport,
...over there's a good place to begin".

They started to dig with great vigour,
Their hearts never once began to sink,
And at the end of the week, the Irishmen
Had dug a brand new underground link.

"What will you do with all the rocks you dug out?"
"We're near the river, so will you ferry them?"
Paddy thought, and said "I've a better idea,
We'll dig another hole, and bury them".

Now the site is finished, bar the shouting !
The workers have packed away all of their tools,
Trees are planted; the medals struck,
There is water in all of the pools.

Inspected at every opportunity,
By Health and Safety, and visiting Nations,
To ensure every detail meets the anticipated results,
And they can relish in their celebrations.

Seb went back to his boss, with a final report,
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London was there,
He was grinning from ear to ear,
While Boris flicked his long blonde hair.

"Well done Lord Coe" was the combined remark,
"You've built it, just like we planned.
It's quite impressive; better than we thought,
Eee by gum, it does look grand !"

Now the Country waits the arrival of the teams
Who will put the facilities to the test.
Britain wants to show the World that when it comes to events,
We really can compete with the best.

Paddy scratched his head on his way home that night,
Later said, "Mr Coe sir...if I might be so bold,
Have you thought of where you'll store the trophies,
The British Medals of bronze, silver and gold ?"

As Lord Coe pondered this final suggestion,
Paddy offered him a gift; wrapped and neatly tied;
"This is for your Country, and it's successful games"
He said, with enormous pride.

"Wait...don't open it yet" said Paddy,
" To spoil the gesture would be a sin"...
So back at the office, amid rapturous applause,
Seb announced, " We need somewhere for the medals that we win".

Then, remembering the gift, he untied the ribbon,
And produced a box, just six inches square.
The message from Paddy read " To the British squad...
Your medal haul should all fit in there !"
......................................................................................
 

Olympic poem kindly sent in by Jim Bell