C'mon Hughesy
When a batsman walks out to bat
For state or national teams
Wherever the match is being played
He carries our hopes and dreams.
We barrack if we’re at the ground
Or from wherever we are
With cheers and yells, and soft applause
with kind thoughts, if we’re afar.
C’mon Hughesy
Sport is the essence of our lives
Cricket has our deep affection
Park or paddock, oval or beach,
There’s a spiritual connection.
We sometimes say “it isn’t cricket”
If something’s done that isn’t fair
This was just a game of cricket
With Hughesy showing his flair.
Hughesy aspired to play a hook
As normal - for any ball short
Sadly, Hughesy mistimed his shot
And the ball transformed our sport.
C’mon Hughesy
News quickly spread of Hughesy’s plight
Many shared their Love and support
Lots were now barracking for him
And not just from those who grasp sport.
C’mon Hughesy
Next day, Phil’s final stumps were drawn
Our shared hopes became shared grief
Heart break as our Phil’s sun went down
Our shared sorrow knew no relief.
C’mon Hughesy
As a gesture to pay respect,
Lots joined “putting out their bats"
And bats around the world were placed
On walls, porches, and front door mats.
These bats joined us all together
Phil’s words left a legacy
Of “where else would you rather be
Than playing cricket for your country”.
Throughout this saddest break in play
Our hostilities ceased to be
Our cricket world grew United
As one team of humanity.
Slowly, Our worlds will start to spin
We will then put our bats Away
Our clocks will start to tick again
We will get to face a fresh day.
C’mon Hughesy...
(2014)
written in tribute to Phill Hughes who died as a result of being struck by a cricket ball whilst batting in a game at the Sydney Cricket Ground
