Auld Lang Sine

Complacent faces
belladonna beauties
archetypes
vapidly artificial
carved from stone
aloof and cold
layered with conceit
socially involved
in animated conversations
and reunions
for gruff old boys
and their wives
exiles from childhood
slightly tipsy
with drinks to enjoy
instead of toys
ossified relics
chatting
hardly recognisable
as students
sitting in rows
of old wooden desks
programmed and classified
formally taught
how to play the game
as proud members
of the old boy's brigade.