The Family Ticket Poem by Lorna McClelland

THE FAMILY TICKET

We've got a game, you know - a bigun coming up
My son would have loved this - a chance for the cup
And great uncle Stan was our club's biggest fan
And then, my old Dad - such a knowledgeable man.

How great it would be if the years fell away
And I could take them all with me - all on the same day.
We'd travel together, and walk to the stand
All grins and excitement, our tickets in hand.

We'd sing all together, our voices as one
And laugh that we're tuneless as the players walk on.
We'd stand proud and hopeful, a roar in our throats
With fists clenched so tight in the folds of our coats.

No matter the corners, the cards or the score
We'd be in it together as oftimes before.
My pals are no longer, but all were so dear
I know I won't see them, but I'll know they are here.

My family ticket's just a dream that I hold
It'll be tucked in my pocket until I grow old.
My loved ones are with me as I head to each game
And at kickoff I'll silently remember each name.

Lorna McClelland - April 2016