"De-mob Day"

Almost the end of the season
Can't wait for that day to arrive
Much as I love Dulwich Hamlet
That's when I come alive!
Going back to being 'ordinary'
Just another punter through the gate
Picking and choosing my matches
Before it becomes too late.
I need to restore my sanity
And start to enjoy what I love best
Which is why I have to stand down from the Committee
And give myself a rest.
I feel I'm a bit unappreciated
Though I know I've done my Club proud
I'm just not one to shout it from the rooftops
Or scream it out aloud.
I simply do what I do
Because I know I can
Lucky to do my little bit
As a Dulwich Hamlet man.
I try to help our community
And I know I've instigated a lot 
But that's not so easy to do at Tooting
Eight miles away forced to squat.
I need to take a step back
The only way to keep sane
And if that's going to happen
I need to break my Hamlet ball and chain.
A few might be disappointed
Others might jump for joy
But one thing you can't deny
I've been Dulwich man and boy.
I'm not getting any younger
Feeling really old 
It's time for me to enjoy life
If truth be told.
So many places I've not been to
I've got that travelling itch
Grounds I've always wanted to visit
Even though I'm not rich.
Barcelona, Workington, York City
They will all give me a thrill
Aching to tick off a few more grounds
Even though my heart's at Champion Hill.
A heart that is breaking
With Meadows locking the door
I'm struggling to sleep at night
Can't take it any more.
I need to step down
Before I totally crack
Outwardly expressing 'normality'
Not sure how much more I can hack.
So what if people are unhappy
Feel I'm letting down the Club
I'm doing what's right for me
Can't care if you think it's a snub.
I'm never going to walk away
Just go back to being a fan
Widening my horizons
While I still possibly can.
I was scared of letting down others
But I've got to think of myself
If I carry on doing what I do
It will fuck my mental health.
I need to take a step back
Despite Dulwich Hamlet being my life
Getting close to being a basket case
Doing damage with a knife.
Going out for revenge
Or hurting myself another way
For my own sanity
I need to call it a day.
Can you imagine going to football
Just to watch a game
Not worrying what you do if your idea goes wrong
Waiting for others to point the blame.
Missing a game or two
Because it doesn't matter if you're there
Picking and choosing your matches
Without a worry or care.
Not pretending to be polite
Because you wear a Boardroom tie
Saying what you really mean
Like "Go fuck off and die!"
Instead of humouring idiots
Being able to call a fool a fool
No pretence of liking some 'New-veaus'
When in reality they're a tool.
No idea what the future holds
But the Club's in safe hands
Time for me to look after number one
And dream of grounds in foreign lands.

Dulwich Poet 14th April 2018

(I have served on the Dulwich Hamlet Football Committee for the last six seasons, but will be standing down at the end of the season, though I haven't told anyone yet)