One of the great regrets of my life, something that causes me considerable guilt, is my betrayal of Queen. The late 80’s Cultural Revolution led by the NME decreed that this band was pompous and uncool. I fell for it. For 20 years their humour, exuberance and dramatic poise passed me by.

I had been lucky enough to see them at Wembley on their last British tour. What should have been a source of some kudos was treated by me as an embarrassment. With the passing of time I learnt to think for myself. I bought their Greatest Hits and mentioned the gig with pride.

Another regret of the last 36 years is that I never played cricket to a high level. However, two summers ago I found myself vice-captain of a team in the fourth division of an Asian League. In the first half of the season we won every match and I averaged an amazing 49 with the bat. The song I listened to before each game was ‘We Are The Champions’.

The chorus is triumphant but the mood of the verses is weary. The singer sounds almost bitter as he considers the obstacles he has had to face before reaching the top. It is the story of someone who understands what it means to be a champion. Often, a true winner is made to struggle so hard that the eventual glory does not seem worth the cost. The song ends with one of the great understated climaxes. When it’s over, there’s nothing. The glory is in the journey.

In the second half of the season key players dropped out and the team lost its balance. Now, we had a long run of defeats and my own scoring dried up. By the end we were far from being champions.

At least I had reconnected with a band I had discarded for all the wrong reasons. Good times should be enjoyed for what they are, not what they might promise. I think I’ve learnt the lesson?

See www.asimrizki.com for links to short stories & other stuff by Asim Rizki.

© 2007 Laura Hird All rights reserved.