Fred Hess was President of the Smithton Football club throughout the 1960s. His words of inspiration still ring in my ears today. Fred was larger than life.
Smithton won 9 premierships in 12 years under coach Tony Fletcher during that time.
Never in Doubt
“It’s never in doubt, chaps! Never in doubt,”
Called the legendary Magpie President Fred,
“Keep trying, keep striving and we will win out!”
Though football was the context of old Fred’s shout’
Never give up, think constructively instead,
“It’s never in doubt, chaps! Never in doubt,”
The words I can hear in my mind throughout
When curve balls impact on the life I’ve led,
“Keep trying, keep striving and we will win out!”
The message is consistent and clear throughout
Even though my mind may be filled with dread,
“It’s never in doubt, chaps! Never in doubt,”
When travelling through one of life’s roundabouts
Fred’s words cut through when on my sick bed,
“Keep trying, keep striving and we will win out!”
When the going gets tough, the tough turn about,
And a glass half full approach they embed
“It’s never in doubt, chaps! Never in doubt,”
Always believe that you have some clout,
The only way out is through, it is said,
“It’s never in doubt, chaps! Never in doubt,”
“Keep trying, keep striving and we will win out!”
Playing with the Villanelle (pastoral Italian form from 16th Century) form of poetry.
The repetitive nature of some lines helps reinforce the message.
Bill Edmunds
November 2022.
billedmunds.com
Bill Edmunds 