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For Mr. Thomas

As we look ahead to a bout with ‘flu
Our thoughts most naturally turn to you,
The one who comes on scurrying feet
That our rooms again may smell fresh and sweet.

This simple gift if carried with you,
Throughout the reign of the Hong Kong ‘flu,
We hope will help you to meet with speed
Some disrupted classroom’s most urgent need;

Surely it will help you to turn the trick
When some green-gilled pupil becomes

most disgustingly sick!


This rhyme was presented to Mr. Wally Thomas, custodian of Avenue Road Public School, Galt, Ontario at the staff Christmas party in December 1968 during the Hong Kong Flu outbreak.  The accompanying gift was a carefully sewn drawstring bag filled with sawdust that he did in fact attach to a hook on his belt for several weeks.  It did help as he was called to clean up after a sick child several times each day.