It seems unlikely now
that I shall ever nod in
the winning goal for Everton
and run around Wembley with the cup.
Unlikely too
that I shall rout
the Aussies at Lords
with my deadly inswingers
that I shall play
the romantic lead in a Hollywood film
based on the Broadway musical
in which I starred
that I shall be a missionary
spreading wisdom
and the Word of God
amongst our pagan bretheren
it all seems unlikely now
and so I seek dreams more mundane
ambitions more easily attained
a day at the seaside
a poem started
a change of beard
an unruly orgasm
a new tracksuit
and at the end of each day
I count my successes
(adding 10 if I go to bed sober)
by thus keeping one pace ahead of myself
I need never catch up with the truth
It seems unlikely now
that you will enter this room
close the curtains
and turn back the clock.