Tony Grannell

The Fall of the Raj

After a dashing game of cricket,

I found myself at the bar

of my dearly loved

club house.

As president of said club;

what else would one expect.

Loyalty, duty, presence -

for only the highest echelons

of the administration are chosen.

So, one should act accordingly

and appropriately, I do,

at my pleasure

and the members admiration.

“A gin and tonic

with a brace of ice

and a suggestion of lemon in a tall glass.”

I ordered, with an air of aristocratic grandeur,

as becoming my station.

“Certainly, sahib.” Replied the boy

and within an impatient moment,

there before me, the tallest glass

of cool Gordon’s Dry, a brace of ice

with a twist of Gondhora lemon.

“Esteemed a favour if one were to indicate

as to when I should cease, sir.”

Requested the boy

whilst pouring a bottle

of sparkling tonic over the gin, ice and slice

to effervesce the somewhat hushed triumvirate.

“Just below the brim, boy.”

I replied,

and on reaching the designated level

I ordered, “Cease!” Somewhat frightening the boy,

for I have a boisterous attitude

when dealing with these people.

Must keep the classes in check.

I boldly gulped the invigorating cocktail,

not once, twice but trice,

for upon me, I bravely bore a tremendous thirst,

and when duly quenched

did voice an ‘Ooh!’ Of joyous appreciation

for such a refreshing pleasure.

It was then that my beloved arrived.

I sought a kiss,

and she, as I, appreciatively indulged in a moist smooch,

and she did linger, too by Jove!

When our lips parted, the boy

inquired, as to how he may be of service

to the memsahib.

My beloved saw that I was enjoying a

cool and refreshing cocktail of gin and tonic,

decided; she, too, would imbibe on such an adventure.

“Something similar”, she requested.

The boy, greatly surprised,

but above all, most obedient,

and so, without further ado,

leaned over the counter

and did visit on her

a moist smooch as well –

and they did linger, too by Jove!

“By similar, she meant a fucking gin and tonic,

you stupid boy!” I shouted,

“Did you not, my dear?”

“Oh, yes;” she hesitantly replied,

“that, too.”

The boy looked at me,

smiled and winked.

It was then that, I knew.

That little brat,

Gandhi was getting close.