In Memory Of Bob Paisley (1919- 1996) Poem by DM W

His words of wisdom were so much softer
Than his daring deeds. His philosophy
Was not bawled out, but hidden snug beneath
The ordinary, flat cap that he always wore.
He, the Master, desired no other crown.
He was the first manager to conquer
Europe on three occasions and his teams
Dominated the top league in England
From the mid Seventies to the early
Eighties. Yet he was very underrated.

O he understood the profundities
Of paradox: the meaning of silk and steel.
He could sum things up in a telling phrase
Or gesture. There was nothing flash or pompous
About his presence.He didn't need to
Riddle, a simple, yet beautiful game
with cold, senseless complexities,
Or unnecessary, overblown tactics.
It was basically about movement,
Great vision and keeping the ball rolling.

His tender heart wrapped itself in the warmth
Of human affection. The fickle spotlight
Of insufferable celebrity
Was not for him.How we miss that quiet,
Humble man! Indeed, Paisley's absence is
Particularly striking, when one considers
This crass, current era: where flawed egos
And petulant prima donnas demand
Money & praise. Yet evidently do
So little to deserve it. God bless Bob!