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Ode to a FIFA URN

Brian O’Dowd

Friday, July 7th, 2006

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Who are these coming to the green altar,
What men or gods are these?
With their unwearied mad pursuit
What struggle to succeed
What wild ecstasy
What legend haunts their dreams?

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Soccer historian, canst thou express
A tale more famous for our time
That can never fade?
Each English town by river, sea-shore,
Or valley with peaceful village folk
Their souls now only can silent be.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Why they art desolate
This team with fallen garlands drest?
Bold player never canst thou win
Though shooting near the goal.
Yet, do not grieve
The FIFA cup cannot fade.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 Though thou hast not thy bliss,
Thou still unravish’d bride of trying,
Thou foster-child of Bobby and ‘66.
Now always and forever young,
All breathing human passion,
Leaves our heart high-sorrowful.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Played games are sweet,
But those unplayed are sweeter.
Therefore, ye players, play on.
Never to bid football adieu
More times to tensely enjoin
Success still waits to be enjoyed.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 When old age shall this generation waste,
Will the FIFA cup remain again
Un-won by England?
That is all we on earth want to know,
And all we need to know.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 (with help from John Keats)

© Brian O”Dowd

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/ode-to-a-fifa-urn/