For whom the Bell Tolls

It’s 6am, the bells are tolling, the choir’s about to sing

The sun is rising, peering through clouds, highlighting everything

I’ve been awake for an hour thanks to the din from the café below

Full of breakfasteers, up all night whose fatigue is beginning to show.

 We didn’t “rage rage rage against the dying of the light” as Dylan Thomas dared

But those in our periphery did, and some seem slightly impaired

At quarter of six we arrived in the Magdalen Cloisters filled with expectation

Joining hundreds of students, guests and dons, all abuzz with anticipation

Administrators were robed in their elegant formal gowns

Guests, similarly clothed, waited patiently for the first sounds

Of the Magdalen choir whose celestial voices will carol any minute

Their salute to the month of May and all the days within it

More commotion came from students gathered beneath the tower,

Those who’ve been up all night or who've awakened just for the hour

Attired in purple ball gowns and gorgeous little black dresses

Slinging heels over their shoulders, with disheveled tresses

Their compatriots who’ve just risen are similarly windswept

Wearing pajama bottoms under skirts and generally appearing unkempt

It’s necessary, of course, to carry your heels, that would otherwise aerate the lawn,

By the way, enjoy that grass for today is the only day it can be tread on!

The bejeweleds’ dates are attired in tuxes, kilts and suits

Gracefully clasping their recently emptied champagne flutes.

Plumes of cigar smoke begin to fill the air,

As bleary eyes and bare feet, shuffle, pace and stare

The streets, filled with crowds, are hushed as the bells are now tolling six

How Poe-ish it felt, crying “the bells! The bells!” betwixt

The chimes, so beautiful, so early this morn

And with the last of the chimes, a choir of angels was born

The Magdalen Choir, from high above the cloisters and street

Lifting their voices to proclaim a sound so sweet.

It is heavenly music that greeted the rising sun

And after 7 minutes of melody, their final notes are done.

Their carols concluded with cheers from the crowds below

And everyone agreed that May Day 2010 was unquestionably a good show!

With those final notes sung, we hear the tolling of the bells once more

Echoing up and down High Street, as we head towards our Red Door.

We pass policemen a plenty, corralling the crowds,

Who are spreading boisterous good cheer aloud.

There are celebrants heading to breakfast, or staggering to bed,

So many who are ready for their long nights to end.

But our day was just beginning, with the sun rising above our street

And we headed to brunch at Brasenose for a meal delicious to eat.

It was a traditional British Breakfast, eggs, stewed tomatoes and all!

Plus sausages and fried bread, and cereals piled tall.

So happy May Day, whether it is good morning, or good night

Celebrate the day with ball gowns, tuxes, choirs and light. 

May's afoot,

ej

May 1, 2010
High Street