Peter Langston Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia 35 Likes 4 Followers The Veterans I watched some old men run today I saw them chase the ball Send one down at their best speed and shout and laugh and call “Yes” then “no” then “shit, sorry mate, the spirit is willing but the legs aren’t great … and if I go too fast I’ll fall.” Not one tried to pretend at youth (a lost cause at this stage) but gee it was great to see them play and not concede to age Those with lids of thinning grey might once have had thick mops but a carpark with some empty space is better than vacant lots and it’s better to comb than shave. The batsmen aimed some lusty blows one bowler was seen to sweat A steady pursuit of a well struck ball is as fast as a bloke can get The Captain stode to the crease to set a good example A mighty swing … but they caught the thing and he left, without a sample and his bird is quacking yet. Some moved with surprising stealth as they ran up to the wickets or timed the ball with life-long ease ‘till it rattled on the pickets Others took a lesser role just content to play their part only there with the love of the game written on sleave and heart. Thank God the rain stayed in away so these blokes to could have their head and prove old mates companionship doesn’t always need a shed It matters not if they laugh or hurt It’s not their youth they try to capture It’s mates … the game … oh I can’t explain being lost among the rapture not confined upon a bed. The ump calls time and stumps are drawn Last runs have been recorded A few beers later … the strangest thing Their worries have been reordered Not from deeds achieved on the field Not even from a few cold wet ones But from holding each other up … There’s honour among these Veterans and another day has been rewarded. (pictured) Hunter Lord Taveners & Mid North Coast 11 months ago Your Answer If you wish to include a video or audio response, you can do this by including links to Youtube, Vimeo or SoundCloud (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxxxx OR https://vimeo.com/xxxxxxxxx) <% error.message %> <% message %>