36 GOALS

(in memory of Hughie Gallacher, Newcastle United’s record goalscorer in 1926-7, who committed suicide in 1957)

Thirty six goals,

more than one way to skin a halfback.

Thirty six snapshots

of a legend

framed in Tyneside pubs.

That’s how we remember you Hughie,

for the good things in life.

Thirty six steps to fame

and a sprinking of treasured ashes

in a football boot.

You put us on the map for a season.

A thirty six gun salute

is the least we can do

for a man

with poetry in his feet,

a bottle of Brown in his pocket,

and a championship medal

round his neck.

You kicked us 

into ecstasy,

into the Blue Star yonder.

You were a magic dribbler

and stocky with it.

So, keep your feet still Hughie hinny.

They’ll never drive

those bonny dreams away.

KEITH ARMSTRONG