October 4, 2009 | Ian Bland | Leave a comment Photo By Jools Thatcher The theme for this week’s JVG Radio Method is “On The Run” Ed Bates is on the guitar this week [audio:JVG_Poem20091004.mp3] On The Run On the run Sunday morning, the day after Grand Final It’s cold and threatening to rain Down Nepean Highway it’s ten degrees cooler The chill brought on by the pain The 600 Bus, streamers now tattered Balloons wilting – white, black and red Like a tired old queen, who’s left on her make up And her frock before going to bed A bloke not born when they last won the flag A little ragged from the grog and the wait Turns to his friend, face cupped in his hands “This is worse than not making the eight” A mural daubed on a fence; the paint’s run, as though tears Declares, ever hopeful; “Go Sainters” Proving to all that while football’s an art Some are better supporters than painters Though hurting, the loyal still wear their beanies For the club – it’s not about self Their love for the jumper akin to a marriage In sickness as well as in health Billy Miller plays at the George on a Sunday This evening, as usual, the same The show must go on – and Billy’s a trooper But please – don’t mention the game He punches his way through ‘A Hard Days Night’ Too true – still you won’t see him frown But his eyes glaze over and his lips draw tight On the chorus of “When the Ship Goes Down” While pot bellied boffins belch out their judgements On umpires, tactics and ‘Roo’ “The ball touched the post” – “They should have played Hudghton” Each comment, a turn of the screw At the bar, Callum and Tracey – despondent A weekend they’d rather forget They’re happy to talk – at least when they’re ready And it’s clear they’re not ready yet They curtly cut short all conversation Concerning the game or the score Not being rude – simply, they’re gutted Emotions and tonsils still raw All they desire is a little more time A little more time and some space Commiserations, well intended, keep feeding the hurt And rub it right into your face You won’t find a word that can alter the score This season is dusted and done They’ll be right in a day – or a week – maybe two But for now they’re still on the run © Copyright 2009 Ian Bland Share this:TweetEmailMoreTelegram