First Day of Cricket

All across the city people buzz past
Their busy lives flashing by in a haze,
But in this quiet place a calm will last
This haven at peace for the next four days.

The sun now breathes after the winter wait,
The small crowd surprised and squint in reply,
Pale skin exposed not a second too late,
Soon sore red thanks to their 'friend' in the sky.

Onto the pitch every man knows his place,
The bowler runs up and the batsmen pause,
Last year's rhythm returns: a steady pace,
Good shots met with a ripple of applause.

Put on your sunhats and get out the beer,
Thank God that summer and cricket is here.