When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."

I think Milton had the old serving and returning thing sorted. Discuss.

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

That sounds like me by about 9 o'clock!

Indeed, indeed
or as Falstaff said:
"I will tell
you: he beat me grievously, in the shape of a
woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear
not Goliath with a weaver's beam; because I know
also life is a shuttle."

Life is a shuttle, isn't it? I often feel I have been smashed, dropped and served up short.

When first my brave Johnnie lad
Came to this town,
He had a blue bonnet
That wanted the crown;
But now he has gotten
A hat and a feather, -
Hey, brave Johnnie lad,
Cock up your beaver!

Cock up your beaver,
And cock it fu' sprush,
We'll over the border
and gie them a brush;
There's somebody there
We'll teach better behaviour -
Hey, brave Johnnie lad,
Cock up your beaver!

Rabbie Burns

Brings tears to my eyes.

I bring my racket

It has strings and helps me play

I like badminton.

-------------------------
(trad. Haiku have seasonal references in them but I have failed on that aspect I'm afraid)

there is a game, and this isn't fiction
where the flick in the wrist is the best action
the aim of the game
is to keep the cock in
no you lot, its called badminton!


dubious rhymes i know but hey.. i had 10 mins before i go and teach, what do you expect :D