Saturday 25 July 2009

100 not out!

Welcome to my one hundredth blog!
I have never written poetry and speak it very badly, rarely getting the rhythm right but I do like reading some of it as long as its not too heavy. In celebration I've written one, about cricket of all things, but it's summer, it's England and village greens are surrendering themselves to the weekend sound of leather on willow, (with old men pulling muscles and young men losing fingernails as they bravely go for balls that are hit far too hard.)


In Tribute to Village Cricket

Not for us the murmuring Lords
This village vanguard team;
‘Tis just enough to cross our swords
Wi’ lads from beyond the stream.

Our flat green wicket, amid the square:
The scene of battle many,
Where heroes only here may dare
And cowards ne’er tarry.

No Flintoft here to smirk and sledge
To frighten man and boy,
Just grocer Tom with simple pledge
His Yorkers to deploy.

Umpire Fred puts on the bails
And roaming dogs do cower,
Mongrels slink with lowered tails
To avoid his look so sour.

Locals gather around the flags
With nervous anticipation;
Deck chairs, beer and trembling fags
At village son’s participation.

The first ball’s down, short and wide,
The batsman plays and nicks;
‘Owzat’ in unison, aloud is cried -
The index finger flicks.

The wickets fall, the runs are meagre,
Home lads are steaming through;
To see Tail-enders off, and eager
For a welcomed interval brew.

The Umpire is surely having a laugh!
(Our innings starts with a falter;)
“You’re out, it calls to you, the bath,”
Sacrificed on seamers alter.

The bouncers whizz, the out-swing teases
Our lads, it seems no answer;
With fours so rare and singles squeezes-
To the score it’s no enhancer.

Last over comes, eleven’s facing
Nightmares all coming true;
Onslaught - sinews tired of bracing,
Body black and blue.

Just four required, no skill has he
As rocket like, ball comes down;
Thick outside edge past slip men three
Cherry skips with bowler’s frown.

Will ball meet boundary as runs come slow?
Field-er dives headlong;
The ball sneaks past the boundary flag,
Air punched and victory song!

No hard feelings, hands are shaken,
Backs are heartily slapped;
Beer is served in yonder pavilion,
A good day’s work is capped.

The dogs return, the walkers roam,
Of victory, memory fades;
On this green veldt, on English loam
That once saw willow blades.


Copyright and intellectual property of
'Rarelesserspotted
'
July 2009

Chat soon

Ta-ra!

8 comments:

  1. 100 posts, well done!
    Josie x

    ReplyDelete
  2. well done on the 100 posts and the great poem.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Many thanks for your kind comments. When I started it I thought it might have been a bit of a flash in the pan as it were, but I really look forward to writing it and reading all my favourite blogs, among which are yours Josie and Val (Magnumlady).

    Kindest Regards
    Rarelesserspotted

    ReplyDelete
  4. Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog
    stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme.
    Bless you

    Also visit my site - Jordan Femme

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey there are using Wordpress for your site platform?
    I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and create my own.
    Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    my web site :: NFL Jerseys Cheap (www.explorethecapabilities.com)

    ReplyDelete
  6. In fact when someone doesn't understand after that its up to other visitors that they will assist, so here it occurs.

    Look at my weblog Nike Free 5.0

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading
    it, you could be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back down the road.

    I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts,
    have a nice afternoon!

    Also visit my page Boutique air jordan

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for one's marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you are a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice evening!

    My weblog; Air Max Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete