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Taking it on the chin

Peter Goulding

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 When you lose a game that’s easier to win,
When the underdogs wipe off your foolish grin,
You wish that you possessed a thicker skin,
But have to take it staunchly on the chin.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Undone by one small lapse in discipline
That sees the ball despairingly roll in.
As, all around, detractors make a din,
There’s naught to do but take it on the chin.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 The final whistle puts you in a spin,
The yang is ripped asunder from the yin.
You think you might become a Capuchin.
No hiding place – just take it on the chin.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 The doubts about reality begin,
The line ‘twixt black and white grows pencil thin,
The punishment, it seems, outweighs the sin –
Sometimes it’s hard to take it on the chin.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 The gutter ball has sailed past every pin
And dreams of gold have turned to rusty tin
By one false bounce that ricocheted off shin.
What else to do but take it on the chin?

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Betting slips despatched unto the bin
And, serving you another shot of gin,
The barman asks you for your next of kin.
But no.
You simply take it on the chin.

© Peter Goulding 22nd June 2009

Notes

Shelbourne 0 Crumlin United 1. FAI Cup Replay. A game that non-league Crumlin thoroughly deserved to win.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/taking-it-on-the-chin/