I have kept this poem with me for 16 years. It sits on my desk at school. It was done by our youngest boy Jack who is now 18. He wrote this, with some help from his English tutor, when he was in Grade 2. We were at Jakarata International School, (now Jakarta Intercultural School) at the time. It has been around the world with me, and it reflects many things. I often look at it, and now I look at it again after the World Cup, 2022.
Jack describes his dreams. Then, some 16 years ago, he loved Messi, as did so many kids, and so many do now. Our boys played football overseas primarily, as well as so many other sports and activities in the International bubble. When we came back home Jack could not wait to play Aussie Rules, he wanted to stamp his Aussieness, and play a sport associated with his background. He did this quite successfully actually, becoming a tough centre half back/ ruckman in his junior teams. Sasha continued to play football (soccer) and is now overseas in the United States in College doing this. Jack is now doing plumbing and is in his second year after doing VCAL to get his senior certificate.
I just felt this was a great poem to share now looking at the dreams of young boys, as well as now, with what Messi has achieved in the World cup for his country, Argentina. We all have our heroes. One of Jack’s famous lines is ‘I want to be a man like him, full of Integrity’.
Note the third line should read….”I cry for a dream, to come alive and be me”. It is ripped a bit.
More poetry from Almanac Poetry can be read HERE
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About Haje Halabi
Born in Bright Victoria, went overseas for 2 years and stayed 18. Tiger tragic, father of 2 fine young men, teacher and obsessed with sport and the good it can bring.
Great stuff.
What’s Jack up to these days? No doubt he is in raptures over the Messi World Cup!
All the best Haje.
Love it, Haje
jack is a plumber now in his second year apprenticeship. sash is overseas and actually today am picking him up from the airport time to make gravy