The Regatta at Henley

From Paddington to Henley-Upon-Thames,

Come to watch the rare English Gentleman,

Astride adorned Ladies in flowing hems,

Perspiring lightly on the green common.

The Summer sun bears down upon striped tents,

Straw hats, umbrellas, pink to red faces,

All ordered behind the white wooden fence,

Scattered applause, the splash of the races.

The river and sky compete in azure,

Dip in; feel the cool water on your toes,

While the contenders grit teeth and endure,

Waves lap against the bank as the Thames flows.

See dreams be made, or break and drift downstream,

In the July heat, the champagne glass gleams.