So how's Your poetry, then?

Socceroos Blues

(In the sense of: 'having a blue', 'feeling blue', 'true blue' and 'blue skies...)

Now - I'm not very sporty - as anyone can tell
In Tennis, Cricket - all ball games - I don't do very well.
Rugby is a rough sport - and Hockey can be too -
but I've jumped my share of hurdles - as our Socceroo's must do.

So - I thought I'd make an effort, to stay up all through the night
with the intrepid Footy followers - who came out in their might
To support our World Class Aussies, in the crisp, cold winter air
Via giant, public video screens - as they stood, their team to cheer.

With vibrant young Australian fans, who'd donned the 'Green and Gold'
and travelled to South Africa - though it wasn't near as cold,
in their slinky suits of lycra - and loud trumpets - for to blow -
to raise the spirits of our boys - as they're putting on their show.

When they played against the German Team - I thought they kept their head
Though 'they didn't play defensively', one commentator said.
This sounded quite incongruous to a 'lay person' like me
Tucked-up in my comfy bed - watching Footy on T.V.

For we are used to Rugby games - forceful, loud, pugnacious - rough.
Punch-ups - the order of the day - both on the field and off.
Soccer playing is more artful - though the men are tough and tried.
They're 'ticketed' - without dispute - when their antics are 'offside'.

And I found myself agreeing - something didn't seem quite right -
An air of subdued anger - of being fettered for the fight.
Then another commentator, pointed out - to my surprise
That, 'They must do as their Coach dictates - despite protesting cries'.

Now - I thought that a Coach's job, was honing the Players' skills.
Supporting, spurring and suggesting - but not a clash of wills.
And when the team was on the field - and it wasn't going well -
They could change to other tactics if the game-play didn't gel.

The dialogue diverted focus from the players in their plight
To the Claytons Coach - who didn't seem to want the men to fight.
I had watched him spit the dummy when they first came to South A.
Snarling at the Paparazzi - telling them to stay away.

So I knew that he was capable of getting in a huff.
From the sound of it, the players would attest he could be tough.
Then, why was he being passive - playing possum in the field.
Instead of planning for attack - his stratagem seemed to yield.

Though no-one in their right mind would do that on a World cup stage.
Was he lulling opposition before getting in a rage?
If he thought his plan was 'True Blue', then why was he looking glum?
The Dutchmen that I knew in my youth, were mostly out for fun.

I watch Coach Verbeek intently - before he becomes 'erstwhile'.
For a new job in Morocco is already on his file.
He likes to be thought 'down-to-earth', scathing players with poor form.
'Have you got an hour, for honest low-down?' Really rumbled up a storm.

If he can give it he can take it - or so it seems to me
A poet's duty is that of an observant referee.
To state the facts as they see fit - though in yore some lost their heads
From pertinent, personal statements. Oh well - it must be said...

I zoned in on Peter Tim Verbeek - or as they call him 'Pim
To see why he hasn't cracked a smile or semblance of a grin.
If his game-plan was a winner, with it's starting tempo - slow.
When the main consensus is - an early goal's the way to go.

For most of the other coaches' seem connected to their teams.
They're mad, excited, often sad, as they're watching shattered dreams.
There are extremes like Argentina - who show they're glad to win.
Even composed, South Korea, couldn't help but give a grin.

The Aussie Coach - the critic - or as I say, 'the Clayton's Coach',
(Presumably, we're paying him) - though I'm glad that he's been 'poached'
Stands casually, hands in pockets, like 'Brideshead Revisited.
What is this - is that him smiling - when Tim Cahill 'got a red'!

The replay showed that Cahill tried to withdraw his wayward foot
And hypotenuse his tempted leg - from 'putting in the boot'.
When the referee held high the ticket, up above his head
And sent our young player off the field - strewth matey - we saw red!

The Brazilian's 'refutation' for tickets - willy-nilly -
Fourteen there were in one game - made him seem a little silly.
Yellow was acceptable - but even then there was a doubt
That the little Aussie battler, meant to give the bloke a clout.

If they video-cut throughout the Games, those players who let fly
Intentional or accidental - without the battle cry
'Fouled' - there'd be a gallery of the most likely Football rogues
And more red tickets flying - than our Taxman is giving 'Hoges'.

Lets get back to Coach Verbeek and his sardonic little grin.
Though one commentator tagged it, 'amused smile', it's wearing thin.
He should have been jumping up and down - Diago showed him how -
And substituted players - Tim Cahill didn't have to go!

So I started on this epic poem and only took a break
To watch how the 'Roo's game ended - four nil - for Heaven's sake!
Our Boys looked disappointed - their heads were up, though spirits down.
Whilst Pim, hands still in pockets, stood there with that bemusèd frown.

I'd hoped that he'd go after them - but he lingered for a while -
And wait - who's the recipient of his first jovial smile?
Germany Coach, Joachim Loew, approached him - hands outstretched.
They're grasped by Pim, who's smiling now - so wide, his cheeks are ditched.

To congratulate the winner is a sporting thing to do -
To stand - arms wrapped around his shoulders - is perhaps a tad taboo.
Maybe Joachim's in practice for the 'good warm up' he described
'Demolishing' the Socceroos - rubbing salt into the side.

Germany is a strong team and they are skilled in ways to win.
The Socceroos need a fair, tough Coach - without a *sardanious grin.
The slow build up and endless crosses, which seem to go nowhere
When you are on the losing side, is the hardest cross to bear.

Why Pim's 'vast knowledge of Asia', counts, wasn't very clear to me.
It is an International' game - and we're playing Germany!
But there they stood, this chummy pair, like schoolboys who'd been bad.
As we'd given Germany the game - I could see why Joachim was glad.

They looked about to saunter off to the club to celebrate.
Would Joachim ask him to go Dutch? No - I don't think so mate!
One thing is sure, when they toast their Team, with spirits, wine or beer
'Pim's Number One', by Aussie lads - won't be something you will hear.

When the England side had troubles, their Team Captain - who's a 'Scouse',
Said 'All us players make mistakes - Robert's feeling like a louse.
His later 'save' was brilliant. Instead of belting Greenie's gob -
We'll support our player when he's down - we'll stand behind our Bob.'

The Ghanian Teams' defender, Hans Sarpei, (is he Dutch?)
Stated, in no uncertain terms, they were going for the 'crotch'.
'We'll defeat them like the Serbians - won't let them play at all'.
Thanks for the sporting statement Hans - but pride goes before a fall...

Lets just play some football
Lets all play the game
*Lets find "the same in difference"
Forget the fortune and the fame
*"It is not seemly to be famous."
Lets just live the dream.
And win or lose - we're equal
When we stand behind our team.
And as for Coach Pim Verbeek
Here's the benefit of the doubt.
I hope he'll 'Advance Australia Fair'
When they lead the players out!

Joye Dempsey © June 18, 2010 Queensland Australia