I learned how to row on the river Wear,
At Durham Uni, which holds the sport dear.
We needed to learn how to balance the boat,
Essential criteria if we wanted to stay afloat!
Our weights and pulls were all different, so this was quite hard,
But achieve it and the boat moved like a stately barge.
When we got it right, it was like slicing through butter,
Elegant motion, no sign of a frog-pull or stutter.
The rhythmic clack of the rolllocks as we each pulled our oar,
The sense of achievement made us come back for more.
Early days on the river, learning our skills,
With short aerobic speed bursts, or endurance drills.
Disciplined, with stamina, we were good, we were strong,
Our pulls were efficient, they were crisp, they were long.
Over time we achieved the grace we required,
We learned all our weaknesses, our strengths were acquired.
The crew all sat tall, and kept their backs straight,
We were now an accomplished senior ladies’ eight!