From KnightFury: Sleigh bells and snow.
A continuation of chapter 5: Glorious.
Includes original characters, Arthur and Rosie, who have appeared before, and two new Irregulars:-p
Sleigh Bells and Snow
Snowflakes
Falling thick and fast,
Cobbles
Disappear from view.
London grime
Is swiftly hidden,
All is white and clean; brand new.
~0~
Sound
Is deadened,
Footsteps muffled;
Traffic chaos
Fades away.
Young Arthur waits
In Regent's Park;
For those who'll join his games today.
~0~
Familiar voices
Raised in laughter;
Joyful cries
Disturb the peace.
Wiggins, Davy,
Paul and Rosie,
(Mrs Hudson's friend's great-niece.)
~0~
Biting cold turns
Breath to vapour,
Caps are on
And scarves wrapped tight.
All are ready
For adventure;
Arthur greets them in delight.
~0~
Paul and Davy,
New Irregulars...
(Just like Arthur
Used to be.)
Start a friendly
Snowball battle.
Missiles thrown unerringly.
~0~
Sides are taken,
Generals picked,
And territory
Lines are drawn.
Strategies discussed
In secret,
Oaths of loyalty are sworn.
~0~
Warfare rages on
All morning;
Other urchins
Joining in.
Sides are fairly
Even-handed
None would bet which side will win.
~0~
Sudden strike
By Paul and Davy
Stops young Rosie's
Daring raid.
Victory at last
Conceded;
Cheering at a move well made.
~0~
Snow is shaken
Off wet clothing.
Ice removed
From neck and hair.
Next request is
Snowman building;
Rules discussed with solemn care.
~0~
Thus the perfect day
Continues;
Woes, for once
Are cast aside.
Frozen, festive fun,
When shared,
Is well and truly multiplied.
~0~
Snow, alas,
Can't last forever
Even such a day
Must end.
Daylight fades
And parks are closing;
Friend must bid farewell to friend.
~0~
At the gates
A weary group,
Reluctantly,
Are homeward bound
Then Arthur stops them,
Strains to hear
A fast approaching joyful sound.
~0~
Sleigh bells
Soft and clear are ringing;
Horses hooves
On ice and snow.
Wonder at the
Sight before them;
Bright eyes sparkle, faces glow.
~0~
Two sleek sleighs
Pull up beside them;
Drivers hail the
Happy hoard.
Mister Holmes
And Dr Watson;
Room for everyone on board.
~0~
Blankets, gingerbread,
Hot chocolate;
Journey home
By horse and sleigh.
Arthur was quite right
That morning;
Glorious in every way.
~0~