Derby Day
Groups scurry into houses before streets awake
clinking bottles, in blue poly bags
hitting legs
denting shins
containing the breakfast of Derby Day.
Friends having a sociable drink
allowing the banter to flow
or
wife in the kitchen fearing
as the husband
has started drinking
hoping the result goes the right way?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame.
Gathering outside shuttered pubs
loitering in bus stops
on shopping precincts (that have seen better days)
awaiting transport to the game
watching cars slow as they go by.
Smiles, encouragement and thumbs up
or
windows down
contorted faces
spitting with the venom of a cornered snake?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame
Stadium sold out
not a seat to be had
a cacophonous noise, greets entering fans
the players are given a gladiatorial welcome
which screams itself hoarse.
Songs of support to those on the pitch
celebrating famous victories
or
songs to offend each other
as those ones are always catchier?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame
The colours as bright
as post shower rainbow
fluttering and waving furiously
held proudly in the hand of the fan.
Flags to inspire the teams
displays showing creativity and ingenuity
or
triumphant tribal battle lines
drawn to offend and divide?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame
Pubs filling up
christmas eve in August,
a boost in the takings
money for the city
strangers entering territories seldom seen
day passes from family and the night is also theirs.
Friends greeting each other for a pint
watching the big screen
or
guys staring
working out what school you went to
by the colour of your trainers?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame
Tv companies showing footage
the joy and despair of football
hopes
dreams
drama
the emotion of the game
creating images that will be watched again and again.
Cuddling strangers
after a goal
or
a brother and sister
cuddling upstairs
as Dad wrecks the living room
below?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame.
Sensationalist headlines
nodus narratives
rivalries revved
familiarised and set in stone
a scaffolding built build up
beamed and printed worldwide.
A colloquialism that sells
with millions of tv eyes
a panacea for the game
or
the media with no regard
to the ruined lives
the broken glass (that they don’t clean up)
print a discovered moral compass
after the blade has ruled the night?
Scotland’s game, Scotland’s shame.
Written by Kevin Graham
