Esteemed headmaster, masters, parents and bright-eyed scholars, today I stand before you with the spirit of a lion and the wisdom of an old oak. You all know of my heroic exploits in the War Office so I shall not blow my own trumpet.
On this, our cherished Speech Day, I am reminded of my days walking these hallowed halls – a time when life was a bowl of cherries and every setback was simply a blessing in disguise.
I recall vividly that in my tender youth, the school’s famed cane was much in use – it was our beacon of discipline. ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child,’ the old adage rang true, and with six swift, no-nonsense swipes, order was restored like clockwork. It taught us that discipline was the price of liberty and every action, no matter how small, counted – a lesson we carried like a badge of honour.
In the blink of an eye, the world changes, and if you’re not quick on the uptake, you’ll be left eating dust. When the going got tough, we learned not to cry over spilt milk. We marched forth with a fire in our bellies, knowing well that every cloud has its silver lining. Fortune favours the bold and a stitch in time saves nine.
So, as you face the challenges of tomorrow, seize the day and remember: when life gives you lemons, make more lemonade.
Let us march on, for old soldiers never die – they merely fade away into legend.
Words: Richard Rooney
Illustration: A.I.
Flash Fiction 250
Flash Fiction 250 