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As It Was

Andy Lockett

Tuesday, January 24th, 2006

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Push hard the clicking, creaking turnstile
Into another magical Saturday world;
Climb the steep steps and there,
Through the opening, a glimpse of green.
Up and out, released downwards
To your place, against the barrier
Right side of goal – ages till Kick Off,
Read the programme, cover to cover.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Terraces fill with working men, and
Boys in parkas – the Choir begin
Their raucous reportoire; teams emerge
Into the bright, blustery daylight.
Goalie marks out his territory –
Kicks the posts, heads the crossbar.
Star striker signals to the fans’
Sung acclaim – a hero of the masses.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 The match passes quickly, blurring
Movement, speed and colour drown
The senses; a shot cracks into the
White netting, and drops to the ground,
GOAL! – Loo rolls cascade down.
Floodlights through the autumn gloom
Cast a shroud of misty memories.
Bobbies patrol the pitch; victory is near.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 Final whistle – a jubilant roar of relief
Soars away on the cold twilight air,
As homeward bound thousands leave
Their second home – content, fulfilled.
Results from far distant grounds
Filter through the departing crowds.
Lights dim, stands are strewn with litter;
Silence descends on an empty stage.

© Andy Lockett 2006

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/as-it-was/