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Playing the Game

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 He was born on a night when the forked lightning flew,
And the crashing of thunder with arrogance grew.
But his dad held him gently and cradled his head
As they paced the room slowly and here’s what he said,

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 “You must play to the whistle and practise your skill,
For the game is a long one, so be firm of will.
Though it’s fun to attack, you must learn to defend.
Play the game, son,
Play the game from beginning to end.”

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Well, the boy grew up quickly, a fine strapping lad,
The joy of his mother and pride of his dad.
His face came alive when he joined the school team,
And his dad laughed out loud, as he watched the boy beam,

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 “Football’s a game that you need to enjoy,
And no better time than when young and a boy.
Slight knocks and bruises will easily mend,
Play the game, son,
Play the game from beginning to end.”

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Well he grew to a man without hardship nor strain,
And his parents drew back as they gave him free rein.
But then came the day they’d awaited with dread.
As he packed his small suitcase, his old father said,

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 “Keep tackling back, but display all your tricks,
Your feints and your dummies and bicycle kicks.
Hard work and great talent ensure a fine blend,
Play the game, son,
Play the game from beginning to end.”

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 The man settled down to old age with his wife,
Enjoying retirement and the fruits of his life,
Till his wife took a fever and languished in bed,
And in her last moments she looked up and said,

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 “I’ve had a great game, but my lungs are on fire,
And the manager’s saying that I should retire,
But you are not finished, sweet love and dear friend,
Play the game, Bill,
Play the game from beginning to end.”

9 Leave a comment on verse 9 0 He carried on gamely, a few short years more,
Still spraying the passes, as he had before,
Till the referee’s whistle blew shrill in his head,
And his son knelt beside him, and tearfully said,

10 Leave a comment on verse 10 0 “There was never a player I worshipped as much,
Your great close control and your skilful first touch,
Those close fifty-fifties you’d always contend –
You played the game, Dad,
Played the game from beginning to end.”

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/playing-the-game-3/