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I Saw Four Horsemen

 

A tribute to The Green Brigade Banner

The Four Horsemen

by

Pensionerbhoy

 

The only possible explanation is that deep disappointment conceived the inexplicable. That alone can be the sole reason for my thoughts drifting last week from the realms of depression to the regions of antipathy. Here this morning, I find my mind drawn irresistibly to writing about a particular Green Brigade banner and in doing so, resurrecting the death-rattle of a football club long buried. I apologise to those who, I know full well, will feel they have had enough of the interminable saga. But the idea was not actually conceived by a desire to restart a debate on a boringly contentious issue and certainly not one that has been exhausted by Celtic fans and strangled by deathly silence on the normally rowdy rooftops of the Scottish mainstream media. It was in fact the consequence of a search last evening for photographs of past Celtic football matches. During my rummage I came across one showing the famous, or infamous, “Four Horsemen” banner for which, I openly and happily confess, I retain an inordinate admiration. For a good part of the night I could not sleep as my mind was in overload with the various images and my brain bombarded by words and phrases that describe its extraordinary artistry.

So, rather than letting sleeping dogs lie buried, I willingly succumbed to the lure of the evil dead and decided to pay my own personal tribute to what must be regarded by even the most dispassionate critics, as one of the great banner productions of all time. I know The Green Brigade have been at the centre of numerous controversies over the last few seasons. I am also aware that opinions among fans on here and elsewhere are inexorably divided by, in some cases, an enormous chasm to which The Grand Canyon seems gully-like in comparison. But no one, and I mean no one, can detract from the sheer brilliance of creativity, the outlandishness appropriateness of the subject matter and the side splitting quality of the humour. To me it is a Da Vinci (or whoever is your greatest artist – for sure, I want to avoid the controversies experienced recently on ETims surrounding that debate) of banner art.

 

I am by nature an apologist but in this instance it is more a guilty conscience that forces me to beg for your forbearance. I am, as my feeble attempts portray, no poet. However, like so many other interests, old age releases the mind to dabble in the incapable without recourse. To add to the agony my chosen subject is now of no real consequence as death and destruction have long left the building, the Big Hoose actually. Some of you may find my efforts not simply futile but pretty puerile.

Just keep in mind that a second childhood is a natural phase of old age and not merely an excuse for crassness. So, I hope that those who read my short ditty, will graciously overlook my poetic shortcomings as well as the outdated subject matter and instead, enjoy its sentiments. At best, you may regard it as a literary masterpiece up there with the works of The Bard (again I leave the choice open) or, at worst, it may prove a welcome distraction from recent performances on the field. If all else fails, it is a reminder that things could be just that little bit worse.

Glory Glory Glory Glory

 

I SAW FOUR HORSES 

I saw four horses in the sky

Come raging from the angry clouds

With riders clothed in sombre shrouds

And death emblazoned on their eyes.

 

The leader roared, hair fiery red,

Determination on his face,

No sign of pity, no show of grace,

No sympathy for them, he said.

 

The second figure on his mount

Shows no intent to let relax

Those owing him his long due tax.

For he will hound them to account.

 

A third dark shape, bare and bone,

Glares from underneath his hood

At the brazenness. A bankrupt brood

In death’s last groan, yet hearts of stone.

 

The final rider masks his face

To hide his deals and dark intrigue.

With parcelled rogues he was in league.

Then disappeared without a trace.

 

And now four horses and four men

Snort and snarl, charge unchecked.

Domination and defiance wrecked,

No fear, no peepil, no, never again!

 

And so, the end that was nigh and predicted by the banner, has been and gone. They are now pronounced D.D., Definitely Dead – Fin! (Sorry, but I just love French cinema :))

 

H H

 Pensionerbhoy

 

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jon littledick
10 years ago

A very enjoyable piece, PB. I appreciate poetry and have the odd dabble. The humour and dedication of the GB is much needed – I just hope they ‘proceed with caution’ and desist from alienating the fans around them with their more objectionable traits.

Seandoc
10 years ago

The GB are truly creative. This banner may well be the greatest ever. The atmosphere they create is marvellous. Their “most boisterous” traits make me pleased to be in The Jock Stein. In other words they are not all bad but neither are they god’s gift.

Big Nan
10 years ago

You did O’K in my book with that, but then again I am a fan of William Topaz McGonagall that great Dundee poet and tragedian!

Admin
10 years ago

Very good. Very good indeed.

Dresden
10 years ago

Excellent! Enjoyed reading the introduction and of course, the poem! I will not ‘dabble’, as I’ve just mastered ‘joined up writting’ as they say, but your post now, maybe a poignant one! The GB banner maybe a precursor to the real four horsemen!?! If possible, could you dabble again in January? We may need hay for the horses down Govan way! This is when Hector will return!

CarlJungleBhoy
10 years ago

Good read PB, ‘tough I’m sure that 1st pic isnt Da Vinci (NAW! Dont start – Editor!), and the actual banner was more cartoonish, but nevertheless The GB – warts and all – deserve our support. Poetry’s not quite my cup of camellia sinensis – I never progressed passed The Jumblies and The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò – but kudos nevertheless for a splendid effort old chap!

CarlJungleBhoy
10 years ago

Well worth a read” – THE SCOTSMAN

“Erudite, entertaining, earnest & – erm – eerily erotic (?)” – The Daily Herald

“WHAT A FANNY!“ (See Page 3) – THE SUN

“SCUMBAG SELLIC DISINFUR…DISSINFOR…DIS… SHITE!
– THE DAILY ORCREAD

10 years ago
Reply to  CarlJungleBhoy

Carl

I’ve just deleted it!! Your comment’s far superior 🙂

H H

CarlJungleBhoy
10 years ago
Reply to  Pensionerbhoy

… Oh Shucks!! (he blushes engagingly, but not in the least bit metrosexually).Muchos Grassyarse.

Must be a bastard having to compete with the diary, PB. Have you thought about having a wee quiz/competition? How about asking for ideas about the right background music to accompany your poem?..Currently, I’m torn between this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS-af9Q-zvQ

and (don;t ask me why) this

10 years ago

Quality read PB, the flag is the most creative and entertaining as iv seen, it did the service of ridiculing the govan goatfiddlers to the absolute limit. I cant wait tae see there next flag wen the sevco scum brigade go tits up AGAIN. I think this Christmas could be a cracker, sevco in administration by Christmas eve, i hope Santa gets my letter. Hail hail, KTF

Brendan
10 years ago

PB,

Love your comments everyday but today’s was magic, as it is to see such a cracking banner, artful, intelligent, far sighted and witty. The GB can be a great asset and let’s hope we’ll see only their best going forward.

Love the diary, and the comments, although I think that’s the wee white van coming for you CJB

CarlJungleBhoy
10 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

Hee-haw hee-haw hee-haw. The men in the white coats have arrived to take me away, ha ha.

binkabhoy
10 years ago

It’s definitely more Michaelangelo, though after that incident wi the road in the mountain he wouldn’t get a safety certificate (even a phantom one) either.
Tis a truly great banner – for me the gravestones elevate it from brilliance to greatness (or is it greatness to brilliance?). What I’m saying is, I love the gravestones idea.
Right my mental health is suffering – where’s my orange boiler suit, mask and meat cleaver…

pacific shelf
10 years ago

WHAT A LOAD A PISH RANGERS WILL NEVER DIE YOU FILTH

Admin
10 years ago
Reply to  pacific shelf

Always good to hear someone speak their mind. Even if it appears they don’t actually have one. Thanks for coming on Mr. Traynor.

brendan
10 years ago

Pacific Shelf,

What an insightful, well phrased comment lol.

If this is a reflection on the second rangers your ascent to presence never mind power will be long and dull. Good luck with that.

Anyone need a lift to the Barcelona UCL game from leeds?

YNWA

Brian53
10 years ago

Great read, loved the verse!

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