Heather-Carr-Rowe (Sgeoil) is Poet-of-the-Week for the W3 Poetry Prompt #140. Her prompt is to write an ode in praise of a person, place or thing. I wrote my ode for a favourite footballer, Bukayo Saka, who plays for my team, Arsenal.
Ode to Saka
O, sacred pitch where legends tread
Our seats are near the goal where souls are bled,
dreams are fed,
We gather here to witness might—
Our heroes clad in red and white.
A cool wind blows this night;
I see my breath in the chilly air.
My ears are cold—I do not care,
with bobble-hat beanie pulled down.
upped hands hold warming tea.
Large flags swirl,
horns blare,
drumbeats beat.
I’m excited in my seat
I raise my scarf above the throng;
the crowd sings loud:
Arsenal, Arsenal, Arsenal!
our theme song.
Let the heavens weep, let rivals fall,
for Saka’s here—to conquer all.
With style and sashay
on hallowed earth
he kicks the ball,
performs his art—
Then, scores.
and wins my heart.
And my soul.
We yell
for all our worth:
GOAL!
and call his name:
“Sakaaa!”
Legend
Star boy!
Born to play
the beautiful game.
Lesley Scoble, January 2025
Music Audio – Listen to the anthem!
Saka in his England shirt at Wembley Stadium, during the England v Ukraine match, 2023.
My son, Benny (aka Benny Central) also played on the hallowed turf for the Wembley Cup. Here is a shot of Ben falling on the grass! Saka is not the only one who falls down playing footy!
The Arsenal huddle
Enjoying myself at Wembley
CREDITS
Thank you so much, Heather, for your inspiring prompt.
Thank you, David, The Skeptics Kaddish, for hosting your inspirational poetic W3 Prompt platform.
Thank you, dear reader, for reading!
Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; mime artist; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.
LesleyScoble.com 
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