Going to the feis!

**Going to the Feis!**
I'm going to a Feis tomorrow, So I'll be rushing round all night, I've got to practice all my dances, To make sure I get them right. Then it's time for a quick bath, Then Mum's got to curl up my hair, For all those dreaded Ringlets, But will the judges even care? I'm getting quite excited, I won't get to bed 'til late, Then I'll be dreaming of the Feis, And wondering about my fate, Is my Slip Jig good enough? And what about my Reel? The judge had better like my light dance, I just hope that my heavy's appeal. Dad will wake me in the morning, We'll be getting up with the Lark, There's no point opening the curtains, Outside it will still be dark! Just time for a quick breakfast, Then Mum will be working on my curls, As she takes out all the rollers, A mass of ringlets unfurls! It's taken ages to sort out my hair, Creating nice ringlets really is quite slow, Dad is getting anxious, He says It's time for us to go! It's such a long drive to the Feis, It seems to take all day, We haven't much time left, It's a good job Dad knows the way! There's lots of dancers all around, Practicing Clicks and Rocks, Wearing their Heavy shoes, With their Poodle Socks! Head for the hall I'm dancing in, I'll try to find some space, But there are people standing everywhere, And Dress bags all over the place. The Feis is running three hours late! My Dad's often heard to say, I don't know why we rush around, There's always a delay! So now I've time to practice, Before I put on my dress, And hopefully later on, I'll be having some success! All the children are gathered in the line, I'm stood roughly halfway down, Mum is waving and telling me to smile, The judge won't like a frown. Now the line has moved forward, And my turn has come at last, The musician starts to play a reel, Oh no, it seems really fast! Now I've got to calm myself, And stand perfectly still in line,	I'm just listening to the music, And the speed now seems just fine! Counting down the music, I point my foot on Five, Then I start to dance at eight, Dancing makes me feel so alive. Now the music has just stopped, And the judge has rung his bell, Back in line and bow smartly, Bow to the musician as well! Leaving the stage quickly, I join the queue once more, I'm ready for my light jig, I'm not as nervous as before. The time seems to pass so quickly, Now I've finished my solo dances, They are calling out the results, I wonder about my chances. I'm getting very anxious, This is what it's all about, Now I've jumped right out of my chair, First place, They called my number out! I've won the Reel competition, I really can't believe it! Maybe I've done well in the others, It's quite hard to perceive it! I've got two seconds, and a third, Of all my Feis, this is the best, Now it's time for the Trophy, I've got to beat the rest. I think I'll do my Reel this time, I'm glad we get to choose, I know I can dance it well, I really don't want to lose. Now the Trophy is over, They've called me out for First Place, I run out to get the Trophy, A great big grin upon my face! We all line up together, Trophies and medals held in the air, I'm feeling quite elated, The judge must have liked my Hair! We all bow together, Our parents all clap and cheer, I really like this Feis, I'm coming back next year! Rush to put on my heavy shoes, The Heavy Jig starts right away, Then the Hornpipe follows on, It's nearly the end of the day. I've got a couple more medals And my competitions are at an end, We're on our long journey home, My chatting's driving Dad round the bend, I've won Seven medals and a Trophy, I just love this Irish Dance! I'd do it all again tomorrow, Given half a chance! Darren 16/10/98