There is
a prominent
sporting team
that travels
the world
playing its game.

Following
this sporting team,
is a group
of diehard supporters.

Such is
the level
of support
from this group,
that they are known
by their group.

At each
and every match,
this group
is there.

Come rain
or shine,
this group
can be seen
and heard.

The effect
of such support
must be inspiring
and reassuring,
to the team.

Recently,
the team
suffered
a serious loss.

The morale
of the players
must have been
at an all-time low.

Instead
of hiding
in the rooms,
these players
came out.

They walked
across the field,
and together
acknowledged
and clapped,
the support
from their fans.

A loss
that hurt,
a loss
that sapped
their energy,
and still
they honoured
their fans.

They showed
the true spirit
of sport.

They acknowledged
the help,
the effort,
the enthusiasm,
of their fans.

Their supporters
true to character,
sung,
cheered,
and applauded,
their team.

I stand here
and
acknowledge
them all.

For winning
may be sweet,
and losing
is hard,
acknowledging is
above the game.

Well done,
I honour
your act.

May we all
remember
the generosity
that was shown
on all sides.

© Gary Dodd 2006