Early morning heading for the ‘pool
Jem the wide eyed wandering soul
Ready to do battle at Formby
Knew it wouldn’t be a gentle stroll

Carlisle hockey team with Jem in tow
Began their season with this quest
Jem alongside school chum Hattie
Determined to stand up to toughest test

Things started by thwarting home attacks
Then creating chances as many as four
But sadly they went a begging
Effort a plenty .Just couldn’t score
Jem still hopeful. Life not a chore

Jem in defence with Izzie and Charlotte
Looked untroubled as time ticked by
More good chances. More Carlisle were denied
Formby encouraged, ready to cast their die
Interval approaching,Jem fancies a pie

A rebound snapped up with ecstatic glee
Gives Formby the lead close to the break
Now only seconds left before half time
Formby squeezed in one more, hard to take
Jem might now wishes for a steak

Behind by two after playing so well
Carlisle believed they could close the gap
They had to make more chances and take them
Be calm in front of goal and not flap
Jem thinking of what to put in a wrap

It did not take long for hopes to abate
A long ball caused hesitation at the back
Three down in less than a further minute
And not long after a fourth .Carlisle on the rack
Jem might limit herself to a snack

Although way behind Carlisle not truly abashed
Jem and her colleagues put in a mighty shift
Created more chances but failed again
Really needed a goal to give them a lift
Jem thinks any food would be a gift

No further goals for quite a while, but
Carlisle tired. Formby had subs quite a lot
Cumbrians punished by three more late goals
Failure to finish chances meant they got diddly squat
Jem “what’s for tea mum? “Sausage hot pot!

So endeth this tale. For Jem an education and a home truth
She was always hungry and for now a misspelt youth