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The rare oul’ times

Peter Goulding

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 Raised on songs and stories,
Heroes of renown,
The passing tales and glories
Before we were struck down.
We can’t afford detergents
To spray the terrace weeds,
But still we crave resurgence
For Shelbourne and for Leeds.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 Ring-a-ring-a-rosie,
Weekly pantomimes
I remember Leeds and Shelbourne
In the rare oul’ times.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 Oh where did Eddie Gray go,
Paul Reaney and Mick Bates?
And Sheridan and Geogho,
Along with Stephen Yeates?
The older fans remember
And whisper mighty deeds
Of Bobby Browne and Bremner
For Shelbourne and for Leeds.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 Ring-a-ring-a-rosie,
Weekly pantomimes
I remember Leeds and Shelbourne
In the rare oul’ times.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 Clarke and Jones play nightly
When Elland Road is dark.
Ben Hannigan looks spritely
And glides ‘cross Tolka Park.
The prayer-books need re-braiding,
Replace those worry beads,
For the ghosts are slowly fading
At Shelbourne and at Leeds.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Ring-a-ring-a-rosie,
Weekly pantomimes
I remember Leeds and Shelbourne
In the rare oul’ times.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 The years have made me bitter
But still I come as planned
And watch the wind-strewn litter
That blows across the stand.
I watch the clubs endeavour
To nurture fertile seeds
And yes, I’ll cheer forever
For Shelbourne and for Leeds.

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 Ring-a-ring-a-rosie,
Weekly pantomimes
I remember Leeds and Shelbourne
In the rare oul’ times.

© Peter Goulding 4th July 2009

Notes

Written for the programme for the upcoming friendly vs Leeds United.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/the-rare-oul-times/