Yesterday afternoon I watched the football. The BBC report starts: ‘England were spared one of the biggest humiliations in their World Cup history by Harry Kane’s two late goals as they came from behind to beat DR Congo in Atlanta to reach the last 16.’
It goes on to talk about the ‘largely dreadful performance’. Some commentators were talking about sacking the manager… I chatted about the game later with friends… There was passion, criticism, despair… Everyone has their armchair opinion!
Later, St Nicholas Priory Primary School Great Yarmouth’s after-school poetry club was on the evening news. They’ve earned a special award – one of only three to be presented this year.
Their teacher, Sarah Horspole, said: ‘We see children… who normally would not feel confident, talking in front of others who are typically shy… we see them blossom and they can stand up in front of large audiences and perform.’
On Monday, at London’s Globe Theatre this team of poets are in the final of the national Poetry by Heart competition.
I’m entertained by the breadth of grandson-Luca’s musical play list. I know none of his up-to-date pop; I know some of his songs from musical theatre; I know most of his ‘old songs’.
On Tuesday I was surprised and delighted to hear the old Ben E King song ‘Stand by Me’:
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No, I won’t be afraid
Oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
It’s about a team of two, held together by loyalty, courage, support and commitment.
Musing…
…It’s easy to criticise or abuse the England football team; we can distance ourselves, stand apart…
…A poetry team of ordinary children, from an ordinary school, are learning to be extraordinary, standing supportively together…
…People I chatted to yesterday, folks I shall meet today. I can choose to stand apart – expressing my critical opinion, or I can stand with them – supportively, loyally, dependably.
malcolmsmusings.org 