Old rivalries

A sudden caprice

of a guest and we meet

Under a wide screen TV

In an old Spanish street

And kick back Coladas

Next to some off duty lads

From the local police

Smiling and friendly

Even speaking English

While above on the screen

Two old enemies meet

To settle a timeless gripe.

Here they have never learned

The history of Bannockburn

Or heard the skirling pipes

Nor have they remarked

The famous thin red line

Behind which lions fight

But raised on true battles

Between ancient adversaries

Such as Real and Barca

They understand the passion

And at times the fury

That home nations ignite.

Behind us people hurry

And aficionados get sweary

Over some neglected chance

Nil all in the second half

As time begins to stretch

This battle looks set to last

Beyond ninety minutes of play

Then comes a flurry

Of free kicks in a hurry

It ends 2 all: what a laugh

It seems old rivalries never pass

Or even quietly fade away.