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The Groundsman

Alan McKean

Wednesday, July 14th, 2004

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Lovingly, tenderly
He walks his hallowed turf
And ponders the dreams to be played out there.
From Arsenal to Manchester United to-
Almost any team, depending on the cup run.
He knows each blade of grass,
Knows when to cut,
When to water
When and where to make repairs.
Each square inch
Has been lovingly tended
Over the long summer break.
A long cut, a close cut
His decision.
As the opening game approaches,
The pitch is cut to perfection,
Marked out with precision.
The image seen is a tribute to his art.
The manager,
The players,
The Tv pundits,
All congratulate him on the outcome,
Before they start their work on his masterpiece.
He knows that his grass must stand the test of time,
But he’s just as professional as the players.
He knows it will.
The players also acknowledge his craft.
A professional.

© Alan McKean July 2004

Notes

For Richard at the Reebok Stadium
but for all groundsmen, who create the arena

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/the-groundsman/