BEATING FLANAGAN

I'm no runner me
weak kneed and knobbly
but God almighty here I be

on the starting line
between two tough guys
Flanagan and Reed

know I don't
stand a chance only
here because I have to be

an Army 800m
and me a raw recruit
and poet-to-be

a gun barks and
we're off and already
I am paddy last

**** Reed pride of our platoon
and a smile that would win a prize
Flanagan his bitter rival

always there to
buoy me up
raise my spirits

"Sing me Peggy Gordon ****!"
and he beams and beams
and sings his heart out

but now Reed and Flanagan
are two tiny dots in the distance
neck and neck both in the lead

but as we come around
the final bend they
trip over each other

I now am third
and race towards
the tangle of arms and legs

I hurdle the cursing pair
and hurtle towards and
break the tape with a gasp

I win a long lost plaque
and a photo survives
the ravages of the ages

I laugh to hold it now
I the infamous non-runner
the winner

**** almost dances
with glee
hugs me

"Good man Dempsey
ya beat Flanagan for me
ya deserve a medal!"

"Sing me Peggy Gordon
that will be my medal!"
and he beams and beams and sings

his gorgeous voice
pinned to the summer
of an Irish sky

and I still listen
as his voice echoes
through the years

"O Peggy Gordon, You are my darling
Come sit you down upon my knee
And tell to me the very reason
Why I am slighted so by thee"