The Sacred Game

High up in a stand
Spectacular privileged view
Old Trafford Manchester
Cricket day
A sacred ritual unfolds
Below my wondering gaze
England v Australia
The game

The pitch a sacred sanctuary
The green sward a nave
The players all are celebrants
On view
The congregation gathered
Pew on circling pew
Singing their hosannas to their team

Out beyond I see the fields
Of Cheshire Derbyshire
Quietly listening
To radio commentary
And here the action
Has begun
Bowling batting
Catch
Two hours of fun
And then we stop for lunch

The same repeated after noon
Then the break for tea
The same again
And then the drawing stumps
As sacred as a holy mass
From solemn enter-ry
To final blessing
Go in peace we’re done

Brian Fahy
28 May 2021