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Of War And Wolves

Andy Lockett

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Cornerstone, immovable strength at the heart
Of defence. Black Country bred – when the
Factories and foundries roared, man of steel
Who exuded a resolute Englishness. Stalwart
At the back who gave nothing away. Served
His club with pride, this modest lad from Bilaton.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 But there was more to him. On the beaches
Of Normandy in ’44 amidst all the myhem and
Carnage, he recieved an arm wound – though
It might have been much worse. Just the way
Things were, then. No fuss, a man’s job to do.
Still, heroism borne of a desperate neccessity.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Now no longer with us, another link with the
Past is broken. Thank you, Bill – for memories
From an older, nobler generation. Never gained
A cap, but his stature was assured. The Baron,
They called him. Honved and Dynamo faltered
On his rock – a half-back worthy of that vintage.

© Andy Lockett 2008

Notes

Bill Shorthouse, a member of Wolves’ all-conquering team of the late 40s to mid 50s died recently. RIP.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/of-war-and-wolves/