And so four long months have been
Since Punta and our fond farewell
Iguazu, Andes, Archipelago seen
Majesty, beauty, great tales to tell
Snowy Alps I’ve skied so gently
For visas and my tickets queued
At home a family Christmas spent
All the while, race viewer glued
My flight flew fast and straight
To Hong Kong, a short visit paid
Victoria’s view was really great
Fast ferry though my plan was laid
Back at last all bones intact
Race Office, dome and dock all placed
Ready at last my mates I lacked
Along Zhuhai’s shoreline, I paced
First returner feelings pondered
Anticipation, apprehension, and hope
What’s changed I wondered
Will I fit? Can I cope?
At last, I see approach to port
Proud Union flag her hull adorned
A shout, a wave, a WhatsApp short
It’s PASH! Their shrieks, my heart warmed
Rush and rush and rush to wait
Formalities, media, a bag to pack
Finally, they’ve made the gate
Hugs and cheers and beers, I’m back!