AnElephantCant deny he’s a japester
He does like a chuckle or two
He loves when the gag is
To capture the Haggis
And lets the others decide what is true
AnElephant’s offering for the weekly Līgo Haībun Challenge, courtesy of the lovely Nightlake.
A Wild Haggis
The Camp
They spent two weeks in Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris, before heading to West Linton, near Edinburgh.
The objective was to build friendships and cement relationships between the 15-year olds from schools in Scotland and France but, in fact, a state approaching open warfare was approaching fast.
The boys, generally speaking, hated each other, mainly because the girls did not.
The Scots teachers summoned the leaders of their pupils to a meeting, and threatened them with the direst of punishments if the situation did not improve.
Doubtless they were concerned about the loss of future overseas trips, all expenses paid.
The boys, of course, totally disregarded this and devised a plan.
One of them, known as Springer, approached Philippe, a capo of the Marseille boys, and offered the hand of friendship.
And a haggis hunt.
Very early the next morning, in a traditional Scottish summer downpour, he led twenty or so French chasseurs out into the countryside, positioned them in the dampest part of Scotland available to him, and went off to raise the haggis.
Or, perhaps, back to bed.
Almost two hours later the unhappy, drenched and frozen French lads stormed the Scottish dormitory and laid waste to it.
A great time was had by all.
the old alliance
endures still
because of our differences
Note: The Auld Alliance or Vieille Alliance was an agreement between Scotland and France, dating back to 1295 and lasting until the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1560.
The terms stipulated that if either country was attacked by England then the other would retaliate by invading English territory.
The bond between the two nations exists to this day.
Love this modern tak on the Auld Alliance – lots of fun. Great photo of a wild haggis!
Ah – sort of like ‘Capture the Flag’ without the flag…
and a bit of history…I did something a tad historical too:
http://julesinflashyfiction.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/ligo-haibun-challenge-goodie-marthas-last-thoughts/
First time for this challenge. Though not my first haibun, nor first time with a pen (OK computer key board). 🙂
I can well imagine. My husband attended an all boys school and oh the antics they got into 🙂 Very well told with a great haiku
‘Interesting when you say that the teachers were concerned about the loss of future overseas trips, all expenses paid..’ and that the boys disliked each other because the girls did not. lol. A realistic haibun here
Ton histoire est formidable. Elle me rappele un peu La Guerre des boutons.
Quant a la Vieille Amitie…Tout s’explique! Tu aurais pu etre Francais aussi si nous etions en 1902.
Just perfect. The absolute essence of a summer camp. The backdrop with historical reference between the two countries enmity, the natural way that “boys will be boys” and of course the most excellent inclusion of the wild”haggis”! The closing haiku – the finishing touch! 🙂
Ahhh.. The spoils of youth. 😉
I am a mom of twin boys and having a sister and much younger brother I didn’t know about boyhood antics firsthand.. But I got such an intense glimpse with this
OCH, AN ABSOLUTE WINNER MON!
I want to go on a wild haggis hunt. But I don’t want to be the one holding the mirror