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Before the Storm

Alan McKean

Sunday, August 7th, 2005

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Once more into the fray dear friends, once more,
Or end the game with ball unplayed.
Pre season, there’s nothing so becomes a fan
As gentle patience and humility,
But when the whistle’s blast blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the faithful,
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise peacefulness with a fan’s zeal.
Then cast round the eye, demanding respect,
Let pride fly from heart and head
Like the sun’s corona. Let belief o’ercome nerve
As quickly as does the hungry eagle
O’ercome the slow rabbit,
Lost in the wild and o’ergrown field.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Now set the teeth, and stretch the banners wide.
Take hard, deep breaths, and lift up your spirit
To its full height! On, on you noblest of fans,
Whose fervour stems from fathers before.
Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
Have, in these parts, from Morn ‘till Even sought
To encourage the child, by force of argument.
Dishonour not the faithful; now attest
That those you call fathers taught you well.
Be copies now, of men of noble blood,
And show that you support. And you, good fans,
Whose pride surrounds your team, show this day
The depth of your feeling, proudly swear
Your unending support, which is undoubted;
For there is none of you so mean and bass,
That has not noble trust in your hearts.
You stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot!
Follow your team, and upon this day
Cry “God for Bolton, England and Saint George!”

© Alan McKean August 2005

Notes

With deepest apologies to Mr Shakespeare.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/before-the-storm/