The Romans could probably tell us of what is still in the news

Of their own time spent in history with the Arabs and the Jews.

Two thousand years later history seems in fast forward repeat

Of age-old animosities that time and tide seem unable to defeat.

Imagine here in these islands if that had been the case

Between the different peoples inhabiting their own place.

It seem impossible to imagine that incendiary situation now...

With battles endlessly breaking out with every quarrel and row.

But the will was there and the sense as well - and saw the process done

With conflict consigned to the sporting field for contests to be won.

How sad that this same attitude of mind is absent on distant shores

With Arab and Jew on their own sports fields instead of fighting wars

Competing for prizes in a peaceful way that justifies their pride

And finishing just where they ought to be - standing side by side..

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