A Poet's Tale of the UK

Wow! What a tour - Scotland, England, even Wales
We leave with reluctance, but have many great tales.

Cheers to the Erskine, where the guys teambuilt with ropes,
Loved the food and the pool, but could we get some more soap?

In Scotland we learned that "changeable" meant rain,
Layering clothes, taking them on and off was kind of a pain.

We promoted antisectarianism with the bands that we sold,
A service project that raised $4,000 we're told.

We loved the Best Western with it's beautiful decor,
Great food, location, service with free toiletries galore.

We were thankful for McDonald's, but you better watch your pence,
4 pounds 79 for a burger meal just doesn't make sense.

And to the Bayswater Inn, "YIKES!" What can we say?
But the city of London just blew us away.

It rained from the ceiling, we were fearing a flood,
Here's a tip for you Macall - don't sleep in the tub.

The soccer was competitive - four losses, one win and a tie,
But with hard work and practice, for the NCAA championship we will vie.

"Wear your kits and boots on the pitch," "cheers to you mate,"
The way they talk in the UK is really first rate.

10 stitches, pulled muscles, broken nose and collar bone,
Ear infection, strep throat - it's time to go home.

Thank goodness for Dr. Butters, or more affectionately Big Jack,
Without his medical help there may have been an early departure back.

We're headed back to the states to get some good sleep,
Brennar's given us all souvenir rocks we can keep.

Some have a special souvenir, a bit of Man. U's grass,
If we had been caught, we'd been kicked in the .......;

Huge castles, amazing soccer - the sights we did see,
For organizing this trip - a huge thank you to Lee.

To Alan, our driver, thanks for all the safe rides,
Nothing was more beautiful than your Scottish countryside.

And we can't forget Murray - coach, tour guide, and friend,
Thanks for putting up with us from beginning to end.

So here's to Hope Soccer, both old and new friends,
Let's have a great season, may the fun never end.

-Bridget Schopp