THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Was it the organisation?

That was to blame

Or profiteering retailers

Perhaps too greedy

Pubs and clubs to liberal?

Uninterested in consequences

A faulty screen was a factor

In the ensuing conflict

But all of the above played a part

So technology caused the spark

And Alcohol fuelled the flames

What began with scuffle and skirmish

Erupted in a volcano of hate

And then the battle commenced

As the angry and the drunk

Rampaged through the city

The police were mobilized

To quell hostilities

But hopelessly out numbered

They had to withdraw

They fell back to regroup

Pursued by packs

Of blue clad animals

In the mêlée

A lone officer, a tail ender

Already wounded by a bottle

Stumbled and fell before his pursuers

They quickly surrounded him

And kicks rained in on him

But amidst this madness, this carnage

A rangers fan, an army man

Hauled the stricken officer to his feet

And dragged him away from the fight

At first stunned the thugs looked on bemused

Then they charged on

Urged on by the soldier

The officer ran muscles burning

But for the soldier propelling him along

The officer would have fallen

Then sanctuary was in sight

A police van sat invitingly

But they must run on

The soldier yelled encouragement

The officer responded

As they reached the police van

The officer was pushed into the back

And a line of yellow coated police

Swarmed onto the attacking rangers phalanx

And in that instant the soldier was gone

Where did he go, the Good Samaritan

Who was he? This savior

The soldier whose humanity

Surpassed his baser instincts

Will we ever know who he was?

Or where he came from

Should we try to find him?

To heap glory on him

Or should we just thank God for him

 

May 14^th 2008

The events following the UEFA Cup final at the City of Manchester Stadium