Spring is sprung, the grass is ris
I wonder where the birdie is?
“The bird is on the wing” - How absurd
Surely the wing is on the bird!

Another spring I have to mention
Is when we all spring to attention
Awaiting then with trembling knees
The next command - “Stand at ease!”

Then we have the coiled spring
Which is a truly wondrous thing
Without it as we certainly know
So many clocks would never go!

Of another spring I now will tell
The one that forms a natural well
Where hikers go to slake their thirst
And drink and drink till fit to burst!

A convict guilty of an awful crime
Is locked away to serve his time
And spends a lot of time to think
Who can spring him out of clink!

Sprightly folk are described as spring-heeled
Which can still be said of Dusty Springfield
And now the plot really begins to thicken
‘Tis time to spring-clean the poor spring chicken!

So we’ve several springs in the English language
But just as I was about to finish my sandwich
The well reminded me of another verse
If the others were bad then this is worse!

Little Willie, so they tell,
Pushed his sister down the well
Mum said “That’s a thing you never ought ter
Especially when the well is full of water!”

Then little Willie, still out for gore
Nailed his baby sister to the door
Causing Mum to cry in accent quaint
“Willie dear, you’ve spoilt the paint!”

© Aubrey Sinden