A.P. Grayson

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The Occasional Keeper

The Occasional Keeper

Free verse

Published in The Lark

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

The brave, selfless few
Who answer the call not with a "Why can't it be you?"
But a "Let it be me!
Let the team see
How many shall be let through.
None!
One!
No more than two!"

In constant demand they stand
Alone and fearless 'twixt the sticks
This wet and sunless Sunday morn.
A cold and muddy upshot

more than we wanted

more than we score

fewer than the game before

There's always next week
When 'Keeps' is back.
The same amount will be let through
But they shall play up front again
And doubtless they'll bag more than one.
No, more than two!

. . .

In memory of Dave, Feb 2021