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P.E. Teacher

mark merriman

Thursday, August 4th, 2005

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Across the redgra, swaggering,
The P.E. teacher
Struts his stuff,
Ball clutched carefully under one arm.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Even walking a rare sight these days
As P.E. teacher regularly
Climbs into his sports car, his pride and joy
To drive out onto the sports field.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Whether on the pitch
Or on the piste
P.E. teacher takes pride
Sugden-like in his appearance.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 On the piste duck-egg all in one
With white trim;
On the pitch pristine blue of Chelsea;
P.E. teacher flies Emirates.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Once taut stomach
Now running to fat,
Result of too many beery, leery nights out
With the lads.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 On the pitch P.E. teacher still
Talks a good game,
But frustration builds to irritation
At the realisation that it has gone.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 P.E. teacher uses humour
To hide his fear and fading talent.
When pupil crumples to the ground:
“It’s only pain!” his voice mocking.

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 No humour, though, when ball
Strikes a blow in P.E. teacher’s midriff,
Just huge intake of breath
And mock concern from smirking students.

9 Leave a comment on verse 9 0 P.E. teacher’s girth expanding,
His whole world collapsing,
Seeking solace in the
Bottom of a glass.

10 Leave a comment on verse 10 0 At home P.E. teacher pauses sadly
To polish gleaming trophies;
Reminder of halcyon days,
No humour needed, then.

© mark merriman 18 sept 2004

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/p-e-teacher/