Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Day Four: Shaun

On talking with a world cup winner. 


I pinch myself every Monday morning
when West Indian batsman Kanhai comes in
to pay his weekly newspaper ticket, ask my opinion
as if I were the expert on the latest match.

Off the field, we share thoughts of almost equal value

as I blag my way through the Test results, wait
with all the 'adventurous attitude' his Wiki page
attributes his game, for mine. Then we talk footy


I know the ins and outs, off and on sides,
I was there and saw it all with my reporter's eagle eye
He caught the highlights. I am no expert
and those focused eyes know as much


but you've sucked me in, Rohan Kanhai.
You could flash your bat anytime for me
Come to the park, we'll pretend it is Trent Bridge
I'll relish every run of your 253. 


*R Kanhai, cricketer, achieved a Warwickshire best of 253. His international career best of 256 in Calcutta, vs India offered no easy rhyme... I'm working on something for this early draft. 

2 comments:

Ashley Lister said...

I love reading poetry about sports - for me it really does have the mystique of a foreign language.

christo46 said...

Good to hear of Rohan again - he brought real class to matches at Blackpool Cricket Ground next to the entrance of Stanley Park.
I'm sure back issues of The Gazette will have lyrical descriptions of his command at the crease.