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Sports mad poet tackles Rugby World Cup

Sporting hopes will be running high as the Rugby World Cup kicks off at Twickenham on Friday 18 September, with each of the home nations competing against the usually dominant southern hemisphere.

Get Creative's unofficial sports poet in residence, Jonathan Clark, himself a former rugby player, has taken the opportunity to pen an ode to the hotly anticipated tournament.

IT Consultant Jonathan first contacted Get Creative during the rugby Six Nations but has since written poems inspired by Wimbledon and The Ashes; and is making no secret of his hopes for England to repeat their 2003 success and lift the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Photo: PA/Simon Cooper

An ode to the Rugby World Cup

Twenty teams from around the World
Converge on Britain's shores.
The finest rugby specimens
Can they create a new folklore?

The pinnacle of their rugby prime These sculptured specimen Hope to shine this World Cup To create another gem

They've trained so hard together
This last few months not least,
In fact for past few years
To create these rugby beasts.

The pinnacle of their rugby prime
These sculptured specimen
Hope to shine this World Cup
To create another gem.

Their focused preparation
The dark art of rucks and mauls
They've all now been anointed
Like rugby's chosen Sauls’.

They wear country shirts with honour
Mixed with beads of sweat's endeavour
Their tear drops from their anthems
World Cup glory thoughts forever!

Look deep into those dark eyes
I hope you see their souls
Right down to their first boot straps
In search of World Cup goal.

Jonathan Clark playing for Richmond in 1991
The fire now burns within them To light their country's pride They know that they'll be ready No more bushels their lights to hide

From their first new pair of rugby boots
A glint in their mother's eye
From when they pulled first shirt on
To the anthems heart felt cry!

Hewn from their country's rock
Sculptured from the finest stone
Honest men created
But they know they're not alone.

They carry the hopes and wishes
Of everyone back home
And those who made the journey
A true spirit will be shown.

So whether it’s for school masters
Who set them on their way
Or the clubs that they now play for
Not long to this great day.

The fire now burns within them
To light their country's pride
They know that they'll be ready
No more bushels their lights to hide

So together take on the world’s best
In union as one team
Like a young William Webb Ellis
Who picked up and ran his dream!

Whether it's poems, painting, performing or pin-cushion making, share your artistic skills with Get Creative on social media sites using the hashtag #bbcgetcreative

Photo: David Davies/PA Wire

The poetry of sport

It's not words but digital wizadry that usually occupies Jonathan Clark in his role as IT worker. But the father of three from South West London finds writing poems an antidote to the stresses of everyday life.

Get Creative reader Jonathan Clark

"Poetry is great escapism and I try and put a humorous view on things. I like to release some things that are inside my head and the best way to do it is through poems," said Jonathan, whose day job is in a briefing centre in the City of London demonstrating the benefits of video conferencing solutions.

"They tend to be rhyming so not sure it is poetry, but hopefully a step above the nursery variety! Helps with the daily commute too."

He doesn’t just write poetry about rugby and tennis. A keen cyclist, he’s also taken inspiration from being on two-wheels, the National Lottery and even birthday celebrations.

Jonathan will be giving a pre match recital for rugby charity, Wooden Spoon, at The Alexander Pope Hotel in Twickenham ahead of the tournament kick-off.

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