One Step From Parkhead Poem by Daniel McDonagh

I was one-step from heaven when I heard her shout,
Asking me if I was on my way out,
With my Celtic scarf hidden under my jacket,
I could not lie to the woman I just recently married.

I am off to O’Neill’s to meet my brother and my dad
And after a few pints we will be off to Parkhead,
A cupboard door slammed as she emerged from the kitchen
Reminding me that I promised to take her into the town for some shopping.

Three weeks I had been married I though my life was blessed,
As we got married off-season at the church of St.Agnes,
And with my season book arriving last week in the post,
I stood at my doorway, my life of Celtic was lost.

She cursed and screamed and gave me grief,
Gave no time to explain and no time to plead,
My single life was over, be more responsible she said,
I could only think of the atmosphere I would miss at Parkhead.

And I had prayed all summer for John Hartson and the ’Tic,
Never missed Mass on a Sunday and bought a new Celtic strip,
And now that I am married to Mary O’Flaherty,
I will have to find her a job that keeps her busy on a Saturday.

Aug’8th 2005