Ashes Poetry

Kneel to no one, not least those who cannot kneel,
Their bended knee arising from regal labours
In might and main to honour king and country
against the mightiest warriors from other lands
in fair contest and proud sacrifice
through surgery to fight and fight on. England’s
braw champion’s task is nearly done,
the ashes won and lost, and nearly once again won.
Heed not tomorrow’s outcome, a brief regency,
Shoulder to shoulder shoulder broad duty.
Old monachs, (Lear, Duncan) dare not come back,
Not even as ghosts. Bless his test retirement,
for you have come of age, earned the right
in your crowning glory on the field of play
to stand in succession of greatness.
Proclaim this day from all pretenders,
The king is nearly dead, long live the king.

Australia 160 all out S C J Broad 5-37

thanks to Mark who helped suggest what became the final line in conversation during the action