The Highbury Wake

Whilst trawling the internet this evening I came across this excellent piece written by Chris Parry on Arsenal-World.co.uk

Some of you may have read the piece, but for those of you who haven’t……here it is.

Your invitation to ‘The Highbury Wake’

Story by Chris Parry 21 April 2006


And so we face the final throes. The end is nigh as each fan knows…

…For we?re to sell our second home and leave behind this place we?ve known
‘Oh can?t we stay?’ we?re heard to boo! Like children leaving London Zoo
Our little club has grown too large. ‘It?s evolution’ say those in charge

Grown men will cry this lonely day. ‘It?s only bricks’ the faithless say
But this is our arena where we?ve seen our heroes dance on air
Pour blood and sweat out for the cause. While breaking hearts and breaking jaws
Football deities have trod this grass. Pele, Zidane and even Gus

Magic memories still echo round. The Anderlecht roar a distant sound
Do you remember the North Bank surged? When topside, middle and front row merged!
The Clock End corners packed with fans. The half time board? The Met Brass bands?
‘Bejesus said Paddy’ didn?t stop! And Kelsey in the Clock End shop

Give me Percy Daltons and two-pint beer. Not foie gras or Chateau Le Prieure!
The ‘Make Money’ babes and a silk scarf. I like it here ? I?ve had a laugh!
On May 7th. the curtain drops. No intermission! This is your lot!
It?s time to let go and move on. We?ll love again but not for as long

Farewell my Highbury; my hallowed turf! The place I had my football birth
My heart still flutters atop the stair. The pitch still leaves me short of air
I leave you now. I won?t be far. But my soul will be here forever
Ninety three years and now we part but you will always have my heart

Click Here For The Original Article