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The Frankfurt Shuffle (How Low Can We Go)

Crispin Thomas

Friday, June 21st, 2024

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 a poet can’t find words sometimes
the words refuse to flow
like writer’s block where chances
no longer come or go
what is it with our country
are we surprised to see
so many fans to help us on
it sure ain’t new to me ?

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 the weight of expectation
the anthems and the chants
the upbeat vibe that falls to flat
as we refuse to dance
a band without a frontman
the cautiousness we see
so swiftly can erase the hope
that we tune in to see

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 where games can be like songs sometimes
we sing through sun and rain
and some can be a mighty voice
running through your brain
while some are like a drum-beat
that rises now and then
or some a moving ballad…
but this was none of them

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 and quite unlike the anthem
un-freed from desire*
our defence looked terrified
and no-one was on fire
for this one begged the question
just how low can we go
a limbo with no dancers
a team that doesn’t show

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 you move it to the left a bit
you move it to the right,
you hide within yourself again
and just do that all night…
with no more than a shuffle*
when fans expect the earth
we rue another wasted night
on Frankfurt’s lifting turf

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 we used to compare England
to watching fresh paint dry
but that was more exciting
than watching this go by
when something isn’t working
it’s time for something new
there’s so much talent on the bench
let’s see what they can do

Notes

Denmark 1-1 England ~ Euro 2024 Frankfurt

Ouch. Just dire. We made Denmark look amazing. Another couple of hours I/we won’t get back. Actually come to think of it we made Serbia and Iceland before them look amazing.

When will we ever stop being overawed? When will Southgate (Gallagher change aside) ever make changes to our front line at half time…. or before it’s too late, Not just on the predictable 70 and ofen 80 minute mark?

I’m hoping as ever – but not too confidently – for a reaction.

* Poem Includes my own words adapting from and with references to the ‘Harlem Shuffle’ (orginally by Bob & Earl and later the Stones) and also ‘Free From Desire’ by Gala: still regurlarly adapted at a ground somewhere near you.

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Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/the-frankfurt-shuffle-how-low-can-we-go/