‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Argentina
Millions celebrating the World Cup of FIFA.
They’d crowded the freeways and flooded the ramps
Hoping for a glimpse of their home-country champs.
The parade it was cancelled, too crowded they’d say
Four million strong out for that day.
From the roof of a bus they waved in the sun
Needing helicopters to get the job done.
The greatest game ever, so many will say
Messi the conqueror over France and Mbappe’.
A comeback so strong, the drama so thick
Too bad it had to end on penalty kicks.
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In another close ending, the Blue Bomber nation
Feels pain that will linger from November frustration.
The merch was on standby, ordered with care
In hopes that a three-peat soon would be there.
The wins piled up high, all through the season
A team on a mission, for all the right reasons.
Fifteen of 18, they bagged the two points
Drawing people aplenty to that south Winnipeg joint.
Top spot in the bag, with still weeks to go
Healthy and rested, as B.C. would soon know.
The Lions dispatched with nary a hiccup
It was off to Regina, for the 109th Grey Cup.
For the second straight year, awards would come easy
Bryant the lineman, Schoen the top rookie.
Zach with another MOP story
And finally O’Shea, more head-coaching glory.
None of it mattered, they said, straight up
If come Sunday night, they weren’t holding the Cup.
Favoured by most to smother the Argos
Even with the hindered ankle of Collaros.
The QB he struggled to find his top form
Missing his targets, quite far from the norm.
But when Grant took a punt a long way for a touchdown
It looked like enough to garner the crown.
Nine points ahead, the fourth quarter, no less
This is the time the Bombers like best.
But the Argos fought back and it came down to this
Late field-goal tries, and that extra-point miss.
When Winnipeg blocked the Argos’ last kick
It meant a three-pointer would still do the trick.
Lining it up, from quite a ways out
The Bombers had faith in their kicker, no doubt.
But the ball never got that far from the tee
Batted away, into infamy.
Instead of another Grey Cup parade
They watched Andrew Harris take the trophy away.
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How long will it take, this feeling to pass
The coach said forever, the sting it will last.
For as much as two titles still hold their sway
They’ll always remember the one got away.
Then out on the ice, there arose such a clatter
We sprang from our beds to see what was the matter.
Up the West standings, they flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
Their window reopened, surprising to see
The Jets are contending – how could it be?
Last year had ended in ruin and shame
Most people expected just more of the same.
No free-agent stars signed in the summer
No Barry Trotz, a head coaching bummer.
Training camp came and the air it was cleared
They’d prove people wrong: “just watch us this year.”
With the captain still scoring, without his C
Morrissey starring, along with Scheifele.
Connor slow-starting, then catching fire
Dubois taking his game higher and higher.
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Caring for each other, not pointing a finger
Old dressing room strife, none of it lingered.
Maurice had been right, a new voice they needed
They found one in Bowness that everyone’s heeded.
With the trade deadline still a few months away
There’s time to assess what price to pay.
For if they continue on this upward trend
Chevy should be shopping, right to the end.
A smooth ride it won’t be, it’s never that easy
Just look at all those down with injury.
First Ehlers, then Appleton and big Logan Stanley
Now Wheeler and Schmidty, in pain and unhappy.
But illness and pain are just temporary
And nothing worth getting should come to you easy.
A message for all who were once counted out
There’s no need to cry, no need to pout.
For faith in yourself and work every day
Will help overcome whatever’s in your way.
So here’s to your journey, here’s to your fight
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
pfriesen@postmedia.com
Twitter: @friesensunmedia
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