days of the halcyon

I am standing by the riverside in Newbridge College.
The day is going down
There is an island in the river. In years gone by there used to be an ornamental pond in the middle of the island.
My mind goes back thirty years.
Two youngsters, Billy O'Neill and his friend David O'Hanlon (nicknamed Sid) are contemplating the pond.
"I bet you a pound you won't try to jump that," says Billy O'Neill.
The pond looks unjumpable.
"You're on," says David O'Hanlon.
He retreats many paces and takes a long run at the pond, rising like an unwieldy gazelle into the air.
The world becomes a sploosh.
Water, water everywhere.
The air clears.
David O'Hanlon emerges from the pond like a creature from the deep.
With calm dignity he sloshes towards his friend.
"You owe me a pound," he proclaims triumphantly.