The Old Professional by Norman Gale

Name: The Old Professional
Author: Norman Gale

The poem reflects on a long and storied career in cricket, using the sport as a metaphor for life and mortality. The speaker, an aging cricketer, recounts his experiences over sixty years, facing challenges and adversities with resilience and humor. He personifies Death as a formidable opponent on the cricket field, acknowledging the inevitability of his own demise while expressing a determination to continue playing the game of life. The speaker describes the various trials he has faced, likening them to different types of deliveries in cricket, and emphasizes his enduring passion for the game. Despite the physical decline that comes with age, he remains mentally sharp and committed to his craft. The poem conveys a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the joys and sorrows of a life well-lived, with cricket serving as a constant companion. The relationship between the speaker and the game is portrayed as deeply personal, akin to a marriage, highlighting the loyalty and love he has for cricket. He acknowledges the lessons learned throughout his life, suggesting that the experiences on the field have shaped his understanding of existence and morality. Ultimately, the poem captures the spirit of perseverance, the acceptance of life's transience, and the hope for recognition of a life well-lived, even in the face of death. The speaker's reflections serve as a tribute to the sport and a meditation on the broader themes of life, love, and legacy.

By Norman Gale · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Sports Literature, Philosophical · 690 words

First lines

Sixty years since the game begun, Sir, Sixty years since I took the crease! Sixty years in the rain an' sun, Sir, Death's been tryin' to end my lease. Oh, but he's sent me down some corkers, Given me lots of nasty jobs; Mixed length-balls with his dazzlin' Yorkers, Kickers an' shooters, grubs an' lobs!

Here I've stood, an' I've met him smilin', Takin' all of his nasty bumps; Grantin' at times his luck was rilin' When reg'lar fizzers tickled the stumps. Playin' him straight an' storin' breath, Sir, Closely watchin' his artful wrist, I've had a rare old tussle with Death, Sir, Slammin' the loose 'uns, smotherin' twist!

What this Textopian page supports

The Old Professional is listed on Textopian as a poem by Norman Gale, dated 1910 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Norman Gale
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Sports Literature, Philosophical, Biography, Humor
Length: 690 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Old Professional by Norman Gale
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Old Professional?
How does this poem by Norman Gale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Sports Literature — The central theme revolves around cricket, exploring the relationship between the speaker and the sport.
Philosophical — The poem reflects on life, death, and the human experience, presenting deeper existential themes.
Biography — The speaker recounts personal experiences and reflections over a long life, akin to a biographical narrative.