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Thinking Of Zola On An Island

Crispin Thomas

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 who would have thought it
here in some steaming bar on an island
just like you now in Sardinia
but up there on the screen
over cold drinks and and suntanned Brits
Zola’s greatest goals
flying in from all angles –
how could we have forgotten so soon?
and just what were we doing
behind you
to not win everything?

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 consumed perhaps – hypnotized
drunk on sexy football?
Nevin Gullit Vialli and Hoddle
all sowed the seeds in troubled times
way before the riches and hatred
beyond our wildest dreams

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 but you and those touches
the gentleman of football
dancing past stranded legs
chasing shadows
leaving traces embarased faces
turning defenders inside out
and then again for fun

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 and watching them rattling in here
too many to name
Barcelona Arsenal Norwich Man U
all felt your sting and cheek
how special were those days and nights
curling free kicks impudent back-heels
crazy dribbles and your face
up there on the screen
a child elated forever
the rat-a-tat in sweet succession
as in they pile
bemused managers ecstatic fans
fathers nod to sons mothers to daughters
how we loved Zola

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 big names come and go
like team strips
but you endured loved by all
the media’s darling the parents’ icon
causing mayhem like Best and Greavesie
chasing lost causes win lose or draw
the Robin Hood of flash and grab
we even forgave you that naughty goal against England
just because it was you ‘Franco
no boos for Zola anywhere

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 oh yes you were our favourite…
so why did you stop?

© CT07

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/thinking-of-zola-on-an-island/