The odd house

along the main road to Liverpool

had fluttering bunting pinned to the doors

and hanging from the outside

of the recently varnished windows, hand drawn

pictures of heroes who lifted

the European Cup

in their name, and Shankly legend

and Paisley lore, of Kennedy penalty,

of Hughes, Crazy Horse

and a small child kicking a scuffed

second hand football against a wall

in Anfield, Toxteth, Bootle and Cairo,

dreaming of putting on the red shirt,

someday, to hear their name resonate

round the streets of their home town,

neighbours congratulating them on the streets

and the voice of Anfield remember them;

a beautiful night in Rome, Wembley, Istanbul, Paris,

The Stadio Olimpico a favourite

waiting to be dislodged by this Northern power

in favour of Kiev or even Wembley again,

the bunting catches the wind and scent

of hopeful victory,

and a small child hopes and dreams…

 

Ian D. Hall 2018