Ninth month 1970
Boy of seven summers, witness of owl badge eleven inaugural
Peacocks by name but not by feather, plumage white of spectre
Shirts a blank canvas at kick-off, soon rendered by sweat and blood
Child’s blank canvas rendered by fledgling football memories
Pater’s eternal gift for offspring; a point from where he can’t regress
Amongst tribe, son’s first sample of Kop stale Tetley’s & urine eau de cologne
Today’s foes the Saints come marching out, being in their number not option
Boy’s heart belongs to achromatically feathered peacocks.
Sat on barrier, lad’s blue eyes witness tepid game opening by owl badge eleven
Saints early Kop end penalty, crowd’s catalyst to broaden lad’s vocabulary
Giant Welsh striker Davies confronted by compatriot Sprake
A keeper blonde of lock, error prone of disposition
Davies the Penalty strikes ball hard to Sprake the Saves left
Viking like stopper prevails, pouncing on left corner bound sphere
Boy surprised to hear Kop brisk words of celebration mirror those of anger
Men in black with white napkin collar still targeted for abuse regardless
Wee fella wisely refrains enquiring “Dad, what’s a bastard?”
Despite young age, aware caution required before mimicking tribe.
Later half uno, owl badge eleven now spot-kick recipients
Kop question not decision of man in black
His parent’s marital status at birth not felt worthy of mention on this occasion
Emerald Isle schemer, not farmer, Giles stands hands on hips awaiting
Crowd expectant, hoping his wellington boots won’t hinder strike
With Scratching Shed stood adjacent, penalty dispatched top left
1-0 owl badge eleven lead, Yer man from land of little people milks adulation
Adulation not cow from County Kerry, but plaudits of Elland Road tribe
Remainder of contest barren. Saints march home point bereft
For boy, commencement of over two score years of elation, tears, euphoria and fears.
