The Lone Umpire !

A nostalgic tale...

Mark this and mark it well,
for it was a fine, upstanding deed
he journeyed far to ring the bell,
so that others may succeed!

‘Twas with rumours rife of ill-health
a sporting constitution in decline
that some chose the sanctuary of wealth
rather than dig in and mark time!

But two cricket clubs of noted invention
each, from nearby boarding lands
knew cure was better than suspension
thus set about employing new hands!

They called a game, a friendly match
betwixt the other, by the factory ground
encouraging all to play, bat, bowl and catch
and to this venue, folk flocked from all around!

A problem then became apparent
organized chaos would ensue
but fears allayed by the arrival of a gent
dressed in a smart attire, of navy blue!

Proceedings quickly fell into place
those unsure, soon got it right
for he guided each with a smiling face
as they learned to joist, overseen by a noble knight!

Now few are born with a midas touch
but all are still deserving of a chance
and the lone umpire knew as much
that’s why he took this forthright stance!

So if you find your club unmanned
don’t just crouch and hide behind the door
negate with resources found at hand
then like the lone umpire, you will know; ‘Esprit de corps’! 

Author's Note

The ideas for all my little stories are of course inspired by many cricket games/occurrences that one tends to be involved in as the seasons pass by from year to year and equally, the fascinating characters you meet along the way.

And with my latest piece of poetry there's no exception, very happy to report that both clubs alluded too therein, have since gone from strength to strength and the official gentleman who guessed the occasion with a surprise appearance, helped make the whole affair a very worthwhile exercise indeed; unaccompanied for this particular match but nevertheless, a colossus....

Reviews

[AYVID N]

I love the way the spirit of this game is imbibed into your very soul Tom. So much that every nuance every happening of an event connected to the game creates a new message for you to be construed and connected with the larger picture of life. I loved the entry of the gent with the smart attire of navy blue! Loved the entire poem!

[Tom]

Thank you DIVYA and yes indeed, rather than simply write about various games of cricket which even for fans of the game could become pretty boring, I try to incorporate as you so aptly put it; ' the small but important happenings that build a picture and hint at the nuances of life !

[Dhaye]

Additionsl piece for your collection Tom. I like your rhyme scheme here. Great poem about cricket again.

[Tom]

Thank you Dhaye

[Sami Khalil]

"Now few are born with a midas touch
but all are still deserving of a chance
and the lone umpire knew as much
that’s why he took this forthright stance!"

I like how you take this wonderful game and weave wise lessons based on fortunes of competition and how it all relates to life where everyone has the chance to succeed for they do not have to have a Midas touch. Hard practice, dedication, team work, strategy and so forth. Excellent...:)................

[Tom]

That's about it in a nutshell Sami, and thanks indeed for your perceptive review!

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. You are welcome...:).......................

[MsJewel]

I know nothing of the game, but I do know poetry and this poem is delightful. I love the rhyme and the flow - Always a pleasure to read "you"!

:) Julie

[Tom]

Thank you indeed Ms Jewel for your praiseworthy and edifying review!

[Blue]

Just like Robbie, I know nothing about Cricket. ;) But I enjoy reading your poem, Tom. I got acquainted with some technical words of the game. And just like your other poems, this one has an excellent rhyme scheme, too. Nice job!

[Tom]

Thank you Blue !

[Robbie~xoxo~]

I must confess, I know nothing about Cricket...lol
But you, Sir, have given more pointers and life lessons in this, than most will ever dream to accomplish...
and with a fantastic rhyme and flow at that!

I loved this! Well written, dear Tom!~xoxo~:)

[Tom]

Thank you Robbie for your considered, warm and endearing review!

[Aethereal]

This is a story that every cricket lover should enjoy. It is written in rhyming free verse. I like the way that you used exact rhymes. If you want to go beyond free verse, it’s necessary to stick to an accented rhythm. As an example of what I mean, I wrote may version of your first verse using 1/0/1/0/1 five syllable meter where: 1 = an accent : 0 = no accent. Your may have this rendition as a gift song-poem to keep as your own. Notice how each important word has a hard accent for emphases. Sing along:

Mark this; mark it well,
this uplifting deed:
How he rang the bell
to help friends in need.

[Tom]

Thank you Aethereal and indeed, I do enjoy writing rhyming poetry!

[Aethereal]

You're welcome! Try to keep the same rhythmic pattern of accents and non-accents from top to bottom if you can if you want your poem to sing like a song. Check your dictionary for where accents fall. Any pattern will do just so it's kept the same for every rhyming pair.

[Marie]

I knew something was missing from my daily line-up, and it was Tom's cricket poetry. I don't pretend to understand the game, but I still enjoy the excitement.

[Tom]

Yes ofcourse Marie, you must have your cricket 'fix' and thank you for your always welcome visit!

[icelandicblue]

Anyone who has played sports or love sports understands the emotion that flows from this one. I love your stories and the strength of the team as one. I played basketball and softball, they may not be the same sports but I feel the rise of that feeling that we always compete and never give up.

[Tom]

Yes indeed ice'blue, sport and being part of a team evokes tremendous camaraderie and team spirit within the group ! And thank you for your fine review!

[Sheila Kline]

An absolute delightful remembrance of an event that surely served as a tremendous boost for both players and spectators! You are such a gifted storyteller of the spirit of this sport which is so dear to your heart, and most certainly makes this reader have a greater appreciation for it!
Thank you Tom for continuing to share and for allowing us to be a part of your journey!! The lone umpire is one I shall remember with admiration and respect!!

[Tom]

Thank you Sheila and yes indeed, we all need an interest outside the normal run-of-the mill stuff, such as a hobby or pastime that we are can be passionate about, poetry is one that we all share here on W.C. and isn't it great to have this common theme to share with eachother?

[Lonely Scorpio Girl]

Cricket is not a familiar sport in my country, therefore I find your poems helpful in giving me insight about it. Interesting way to fuse your love for a certain sport with poetry - you have given a different angle of perspective on cricket.

[Tom]

Thank you for your appreciated visit and comments !