Weak sunlight shines through the morning mist
as the as I lead my team in red and black on to the pitch
the opposition in yellow approach from the other side
no handshakes are shared
no respect is given
to each team the opposition is scum
even the referee looks nervous as he gets the game under way
Straight from the kick off the tackles fly in
the yellow card is shown
and so are the studs
the referee is busy
but so are the keepers
both concede in embarrassing fasion
Half time is here the score 4-4
a welcome chance for a little rest
am happy enough at present with my double
but ruing the missed shots and bad decisions
looking forward to the second half
so can complete my hat-rick
Second half kicks off and it's just like the first
the tackles are slightly fairer now
as no one else wants to be dismissed
the keepers are still busy but the scores remain level
In the dying minutes we get a penalty
no doubt who will take it
as I pick up the ball and place it on the spot
their keeper looks worried though he's had a good half
but that will count for nothing if he lets this one in
I've hit it right footed and it goes to the keeper's right
he got a finger to the ball as it went over the line
the referee acknowledged the goal
our team celebrated as that was the last kick of the game
all mistakes are forgiven as we win 5-4
Their keeper is distraught
he's cost them the match in the end
and knowing it's a stupid thing to do
I go up to him and say the immortal words
"next time try harder and your team might just win"
his response was unrepeatable
John Westlake
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/162-22nd-september-2003/
