That Old Speech Day Song

There was a song which we used to sing on speech days at school. It was meant to console those of us who formed the audience listening to the speeches and witnessing the prize presentation. It went like this :



The race is run ,
The winners wear the laurels;
But you and I
Not empty go away
For we have seen
the least unkind of quarrels :
Our boys and girls
compete in friendly fray.
Let us be glad
But not because of winning
For we are all one family today.
God gave our school
His joyous blessing
To make us feel
As one and guide
Us on our way .



The song was sung to the tune of " Danny Boy "- relaxed , peaceful and invigorating.
If , as I have often been told that life is a journey not unlike going through school, the lyrics
of that old speech day song ,together with its beautiful " Danny Boy " tune, offer a dash of solace for many people especially those who find themselves sitting below the stage applauding more successful people receiving accolades. The journey through life is dotted with innumerable lessons , many of which are not friendly fray and , very often , quarrels can be very unkind.