NE63 Haiku

Warm, low whistling wind Grey feathers scattering pitch History repeats How does that saying go? "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it" - George Santayana Looks like I fell into one of those that has not learnt from my own personal history.  On Friday night my son, Max had a friend sleep over. Which is fine, but the next day he had a football game so we told him no late night so they could be properly rested for the game. I always love game days, the excitement the night before, getting Max hyped and stoking his ego to play well, getting the team strip ready, his shin pads and boots. Waking up early for breakfast and any last minute preparations such as a trip to Tesco for a drink and a post-game snack (usually a Yorkie bar). The drive to the venue is filled with anxiety, excitement, nerves, what ifs? Will Max play well? Will the team?  Saturday was Bedlington Utd. NE22 Greens (Max's new Saturday team after leaving Newcastle Sporting as mentioned here ) ...

Green rows, red berries Summer warmth beneath blue skies Memories linger

Sun rays, skin prickles Silence broken by laughter Calm washes outward

Shouts of cheer ringing Warm sun broken by drizzle Clouds of frustration

Shuffling, heads bowed down Black mirror reflecting back Disconnected world

Confused sky, wet, dry Ground soft underfoot, grass slick journey comes to end

Showers start and stop Golden sunset breaks through grey Mirrors progress made

Whistle ringing loud Off-white clouds blanket the sky Pride bursts from my chest There was a familiar feel to the morning. A 10am kick off under an off-white sky, clouds stretched out overhead while the wind came and went in bursts. It felt like good football weather. Coming into the game, it carried a bit of weight. First one back after last week’s defeat, and for the opening 20 minutes, it showed. The lads didn’t quite look themselves. A little off it, a little slow to settle. But they found their way into it. We went 1–0 up after 12 minutes. A solid start. Three minutes later, the opposition pulled it back. Then not long after, they went ahead, making it 2–1. It felt like one of those games that could drift away if we let it. Right before half time, we found the equaliser. 2–2 going into the break. The game felt intense. Not frantic, just heavy with importance. At half time, it wasn’t about tearing into them — just staying positive, encouraging them to trust themselves and put the w...

Cherry blossoms bloom Old church waits in silence still I linger between There wasn’t much of a plan for the walk. Just time to fill while Cooper was getting groomed, a chance to get some steps in and move a little. Walking through Morpeth, I passed St George's URC Church and slowed without really thinking about it. A cherry blossom tree stood outside, fully in bloom. Bright, soft, new. It caught the eye straight away. The church beside it felt the opposite. Still. Weathered. Waiting. It wasn’t cold, not really. That in-between kind of air — warm enough for a hoodie, but not quite ready for a t-shirt. That same in-between feeling seemed to settle in my thoughts, too. Standing there, I found myself drifting a little. Where am I at the minute? Am I actually healing? Am I moving forward, or just staying busy? Where was I six months ago compared to now? No clear answers came, but it didn’t feel urgent to find them. Just standing there, between something old and something new, felt enou...