smashing each other's armament
searching for vulnerabilities
delivering blows below the belt
simulating gentlemen, imitating nations.
Circling warily, observing time honored rules
wounding, but not killing (at first)
boasting impeccable aims of sport
bleeding internally without a whimper
century old traditions upheld.
Intentionally, unwittingly we reward the players
shouts of encouragement
dollars from tax pockets
bandages from foreign factories
medals from POTUS Draft Dodger.
Unceasingly the cost of indulgence soars
we always were a rich nation
money to spend on frivolities
rarely taking sport seriously
when properly fought inside the arena.
© Judy Shepps Battle
Judy Shepps Battle has been writing essays and poems long before retiring from being a psychotherapist and sociology professor. She is a New Jersey resident, addictions specialist, and freelance writer.
