Guardians of the Shins

In fields of green where battles rage,

Where feet and fury dare engage,

There stands a silent guardian keen,

The humble shield for shins unseen.

With armor bright, a steadfast pair,

They face the fray with courage rare,

Their duty clear, their purpose true,

To guard the legs that soldiers use.

Not wrought of gold, nor silver's gleam,

But of a strength that makes them seem

As mighty as a knight’s steel plate,

Against the foe, they hold their fate.

They feel the kick, they bear the blow,

When players dash and arrows throw,

In every match, on every ground,

Their silent strength is always found.

No poet sings, no bard's refrain,

Of shin guards brave, who bear the pain,

Yet in their quiet, noble way,

They keep the injured fate at bay.

Their leather hides, their plastic sheen,

In every clash, they stand between

The tender flesh and ruthless force,

Ensuring players stay the course.

So let us raise a glass tonight,

To these small heroes, out of sight,

For though their glory's often missed,

They earn their place on honor’s list.

Beneath the socks, they hide their grace,

Yet every player knows their place,

A silent thanks, a whispered cheer,

For shin guards strong, who quell the fear.

In mud and sweat, through thick and thin,

They guard the shins, they guard the skin,

And in their service, we can find,

A steadfast heart, a valiant mind.

Oh, guardians of the shins so bright,

We honor you in this soft light,

For every bruise you keep at bay,

We sing your praise this humble day.