To be surprised in life is
a double yolk in a hen’s egg,
a fiver in an old fleece pocket,
fresh bread walking upstairs.

To be surprised in life is
a Curaçao equaliser against Germany,
cold toes against a sleeping back,
your child’s first daft steps.

To be surprised in life is
a reminder that you are in fact alive
whether you like it or not,
a reminder to step off the treadmill
and dare to look around new corners,
a reminder to trust birthday candle wishes.

Germany won 7-1.

Carl Burkitt 2026