Death By Vaulting Poem by Douglas Scotney

Arm strengthening techniques
were important of old,
when in battle
both sides prodded with spears.
The longer yours was the sooner
you'd prick your opposite's skin
and drive in the two-edged blade.

In an arm strengthening game,
spear-prodders competed at vaulting.
They vaulted over walls and ditches
and over the sea between shores and ships.
Steeplechase-like courses
were set up with the above -
with walls and ditches,

shores, ships and liquids.
One of the latter
was oil that was hot.
Survive a race you may not.