It was late one August in a bar down town
all the boys were together, but the mood was down
I was walking between them around the room
trying my best to lift the gloom.
With all advances being ignored
I turned and walked towards the door
hoping that when I returned
my warm approach would not be spurned.
Outside, long shadows crossed my feet
as autumn sunshine lit the street
I walked without a soul around
towards the outskirts of the town.
I crossed a cornfield draped in gold
when all at once the air turned cold
I walked as quickly as I could
towards a nearby sheltered wood.
Through the wood I walked alone
a north wind cut right to the bone
an angry sky shut out the light
the afternoon now felt like night.
All around were creaking trees
whose branches rattled on the breeze
brown leaves scratched along the ground
twisting as they swirled around.
The wind howled like a wolfhounds call
I stood against an old stone wall
ahead was the sound of a swinging gate
I felt afraid, I needed a mate.
Then came the flash of a lightening bolt
I pulled my collar and fastened my coat
it lit the gates which were rusted and old
so off I set in the shivering cold.
I ran through the gates to the deafening sound
of crackling thunder which shook the ground
the dark sky opened with a jagged flash
the gates then slammed with a mighty crash.
Then biting through the howling gale
came sheets of rain and frozen hail
I turned my back towards the storm
blowing my hands to keep them warm.
For six long hours the blizzard raged
my beaten face was pale and aged
beyond the woods I came to a bend
I felt afraid, I needed a friend.
As I emerged from the rustling trees
in shock I fell down to my knees
I shook my head and rubbed my eyes
at the awesome sight of golden skies.
Sounds of skylarks filled the air
with summer colours everywhere
insects danced and wildlife played
in emerald meadows laced with jade.
Through the ever changing weather
came the scent of Scottish heather
I crossed a bridge above a stream
then saw a vision from a dream.
For there upon an old mile stone
through shades of green where moss had grown
were letters carved in sandstone brown
which read ‘One mile to Glenbuck town.’
I walked the trail beyond the bridge
where colours massed along the ridge
gold and scarlet hung like shawls
as salmon leapt from waterfalls.
I reached a clearing at the top
I ran a little then I stopped
with eager eyes I then looked down
at a figure near the town.
My heart beat fast, but not in fear
I churned inside as I got near
my tired eyes began to fill
as I stood face to face with Bill.
“Hello there son, enjoy the walk?”
I couldn’t answer, couldn’t talk
I put my face into my hands
“Don’t worry son, I understand.”
His voice hit like a driven nail
I stood before my holy grail
this legend who I’d idolised
was there before my very eyes.
Then off we walked into the town
where streamers hung and waved around
strips of sunshine graced the sight
of buildings draped in red and white.
Outside a station further on
singing reds queued in the sun
my heart filled up with pride again
at banners hanging from the train.
Flags from Europe, flags from home
Paris , Bruges, and some from Rome
pennants made with love and tears
forgotten flags of yester year.
I turned to face a nearby Inn
drawn by laughter from within
Liverpool songs rang out with cheers
the sound was music to my ears.
Shank’s then ushered me inside
to join a flowing crimson tide
I floated in a sea of red
‘See you soon’ the great man said.
Inside, the joy was to behold
I sang along with young and old
Kopites jigged most everywhere
some on tables, some on chairs.
Sixties songs then filled the air
then came some from Dortmund square
songs from glory days gone by
to charm the birds out of the sky.
Sons and daughters, husbands, wives
re-living moments of their lives
caressing every treasured thought
their precious football team has brought.
I didn’t want this day to end
I had to share it with my friends
courage now replaced my fears
no longer cold and free from tears.
I couldn’t wait to tell the boys
about this place and all its joys
a town adorned with magic charm
embraced by Shankly’s loving arms.
I ran as quickly as I could
towards the gate beyond the wood
I seemed to glide along with ease
like skating on a summer breeze.
The wood was dark but calm and dry
its thick tall trees concealed the sky
I smiled and thought about my mates
as I approached the rusted gates.
I stood confused, I wasn’t sure
were these the same gates as before
now sealed up tight with locks and chains
I heaved and tugged, but all in vain.
I looked between the rusted bars
and through the dark saw tiny stars
I felt the bars against my face
and gazed out into darkest space.
I slid down slowly to the floor
as darker thoughts came to the fore
I wiped a tear from my face
as everything clicked into place.
I thought of the pub and my silent mates
the awful storm and the crashing gates
and why everybody was dressed in black
I realised then I could never go back.
Broken hearted and on my knees
I looked round at the tall dark trees
the blackness never seemed to end
I felt afraid, I needed a friend.
Then through the silence came the sound
of skylarks high above the ground
a ray of light shone through the wood
I rubbed my eyes and slowly stood.
The darkness then began to fade
tall trees turned a brighter shade
yellow leaves entwined with green
where eerie shadows once had been.
Then on the pathway up ahead
stood the great man dressed in red
I dried my face then walked his way
crackling twigs along the way.
Sunshine now replaced the cold
as once again the skies turned gold
my senses waltzed and danced along
as skylarks sang their silver songs.
As we walked back to the town
I couldn’t help but turn around
in hope of seeing a loved ones face
before I moved on from this place.
“Don’t worry son, you’ll meet again
but you must leave and catch a train
there’s one each day which passes through
transporting red souls just like you.”
I joined the redmen in the queue
the train came then the whistle blew
I set off on my journey’s end
no longer afraid now with my friends.
And as we moved off down the track
I couldn’t help one last glance back
to see the buildings draped in red
with banners hanging overhead.
Then as the colours began to fade
there stood a figure in the shade
on the outskirts all alone
the greatest man I’ve ever known.
And there he’ll stay for eternity
to comfort lost souls such as me
hands in pockets just waiting round
till the next red passes through Glenbuck town.
