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The Margam Deer

Alex Saynor

Friday, June 13th, 2025

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 For simple food or a couple of drinks
make your way down to The Margam Deer.
Here a welcome awaits of an indifferent nod,
a distant smile that puts you at ease
with no rush and the pressure off.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 You never know who will walk through the doors.
It could change your life; it could change your night –
Would you like ice in your cola or San Miguel beer?
We’ll ask you kindly, kids, not to run in here
but everyone’s welcome at The Margam Deer.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 If you forgot to retire further away
and now extended family are at Aberavon Bay,
you’re just slightly caught out
but you’re in the clear
when the day is saved by The Margam Deer.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 And if it’s football you like, well the Lido’s near
and they often play under Friday night lights
so set the satnav, or make it up if you like
but you’re safe in the peace of The Margam Deer.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 There are no expectations – have a mixed grill
or water, ice cream, brownie, a chat with the manager.
If you’re washed up from over the border
there will even be a sprinkling of English here
blending in calmly at The Margam Deer.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Don’t expect it to be flashy; that’s not why you’re here
with a foretaste of reasonably cooked meat
and eternal peace at The Margam Deer.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 It’s a place we love where expectations are clear;
it’s only pressure that’s off at The Margam Deer.
There’s no footfall and no-one knows you’re here
in a room that’s an L shape so you can partially disappear
if it all gets too much at The Margam Deer.

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 It’s not cheap or verging on scandalous either.
The truth is it’s a leveller where there’s nothing to fear.
You want to flex your muscles and make your status clear,
but think carefully: that won’t go down well here
where no-one will notice you not reading the room
& no-one’s inferior at the Margam Deer.

Notes

When in Wales, my son and I support Afan Lido FC, who play at the Lido Ground near Aberavon Bay in Port Talbot. We always go to a pub called The Margam Deer which is sort of tucked away on an industrial estate. The games are often on Friday nights and we love the overall vibe.

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Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/the-margam-deer/