'He walked on water, we Dance on Sand' - poem remembers Muhammad Ali's visit to South Shields

When Ali Came To Geordieland,

It was way back when in 77 Young Johnny Walker turned to Heaven,

To help his ailing boxing club To cover costs and pay their subs,

In truth it was the kind of cause,

That could have easily been ignored,

But The Greatest said he'd spare some time,

For this tiny club upon the Tyne

Who knew just what the Gods had planned,

When they put gloves upon those hands,

He walked on water, we Dance on Sand,

When Ali came to Geordieland

He came to Shields and felt at home,

A gladiator ghost of Rome,

Unlike the Romans, he conquered us,

Without a fight, open top bus,

The crowds they came from miles around,

Not quite Manilla but a thrilling sound,

The cheers, the love, hung in the air,

A kindred spirit he found there

Who knew just what the Gods had planned,

When they put gloves upon those hands,

He walked on water, we Dance on Sand,

When Ali came to Geordieland

His sparring partner on that day,

A local lad, the young Reg Clay,

He wouldn't say with death he'd diced,

But felt like he had sparred with Chris,t

This man of peace, this man of grace,

Who felt the fight in this old place,

He said next time inside the ring

He'd feel the strength of Shields within

Who knew just what the God's had planned,

When they put gloves upon those hands,

He walked on water, we Dance on Sand,

When Ali came to Geordieland