Cheerio, steve
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Poem:		42694
Hearts sank, Spectators shell-shocked, Galleries dumb-founded, Kangaroos perplexed, Stoic silence pervaded Not merely in the Sydney stadium But in every nook and cranny of the country. Never did he have an inkling That it was a disastrous shot; By the time he realized it The ball was already in the cupped hands of the Master Blaster. He was OUT! Unhesitatingly went up the umpire's index finger. A terrible, painful experience! How many lamented, God alone knows; But only for a fleeting second the rude shock lasted, Suddenly the veil of gloom vanished. Like the music in a melodrama, Slowly rose his adoring fans to their feet, And a long-lasting standing ovation They accorded him with veneration. No Aussie sportsman has ever received Such a prolonged lavish applause, Such an emotional public farewell, Such a lap of honour on his team-mates' shoulders. The infectious smile on his cherubic countenance, The charm, charisma, charity, icy cool composure Won him at home and abroad friends galore. The last innings of eighty, A pinnacle innings, defiant indeed, A skipper's master knock Though in no way surpassed any of his glittering records Had a magic touch to rescue his team: A team fostered under him with indomitable spirit, A team clamoured by cricket pundits as invincible From the impending danger of being conquered, And to save him from an ignominious exit. A gem of a man, An ornament to the game, A role-model to the up-coming cricketers, An inspiring personality with his towering achievements Deserving to be envied and emulated worldwide. Cheerio, Steve, cheerio!
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