navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #39 » 40-Love to Ad-Out
Open Poetry #39
Post A Reply Post New Topic 40-Love to Ad-Out Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA

0 posted 2006-09-28 03:21 AM


Tennis
used to be
practice
against a backboard
and that’s as good as it got.
Slapping Wilsons
back and forth
strengthening my backhand,
eliminating
the element of surprise.
I was on top of my game.
Then, a plea
across the court –  
“a little help, please.”
A match made.

Playing you, baby,
my game’s improved.
So why I am losing?

[This message has been edited by iliana (09-28-2006 04:39 AM).]

© Copyright 2006 J.A.A.Powell - All Rights Reserved
miscellanea
Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060
OH
1 posted 2006-09-28 05:16 AM


iliana,

   I do so understand this and am tucking it alway.  In response to losing or winning, today, I just don't see either.  

   A lot to think about here.  BTW, good morning, Sis!

    hugs,
    cathy

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2006-09-28 07:37 AM



Love, set, game.

Time to move on to a new court?




Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
3 posted 2006-09-28 09:34 AM


Hmmm, methinks perhaps he ain't the perfect "match".

In my books, lily jo, you are never a loser! You will always be a winner!

Play on, my friend, with partners worthy of your game in life!

Love ya bunches!
Linda

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
4 posted 2006-09-28 11:14 AM


this hits home
aziza
Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995
Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy!
5 posted 2006-09-28 11:23 AM


I love this poem.  It's one I will come back and read again.

aziza

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
6 posted 2006-09-28 12:31 PM


understanding the metaphor here, even though I don't play tennis well, that other game of life takes practice too.  
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
7 posted 2006-09-28 12:43 PM


that ball didn't always bounce straight for me either
my backhand was always better than my forehand;  my killer serve saved me from running all over the court and fainting from my uncooperative heart
then again, it ain't really about tennis anyway m'friend
you are in NO way, a loser...  

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
8 posted 2006-09-28 03:22 PM



you're not a loser dear jo
you're a learner
and I share your sentiments today
very good poem...
really got to me


iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
9 posted 2006-09-28 04:08 PM


Thanks everybody!  Actually, I wrote this for a friend.  
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
10 posted 2006-09-28 04:08 PM


Opps, double posted....well, I say thanks again, then!
Magnus
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
11 posted 2006-09-28 05:07 PM


This is good, very good..love the mood and
especially the ending.... You're gonna
slamdunk the dude, aren't ya...??  And this
ain't basketball.

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
12 posted 2006-09-28 05:18 PM


uh, maybe because you're playing on the 'net?

Good poem, worthy of Tennison!

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

13 posted 2006-09-28 05:19 PM


Never have liked games much either Jo....
this touches.  Nicely penned, lady.

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
14 posted 2006-09-28 06:17 PM


BJ, no...it's not a poem about me, although I did use my own interpretation of my own life experiences in formulating it.  But thanks, I am glad you liked it.  

Mike, I've always played away from the net...you'll get stung every time if you're too close to it...lol.  But...as I told BJ, this poem is for a friend, not about me.  

Donna, thank you sweetie.  

[This message has been edited by iliana (09-29-2006 12:30 AM).]

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
15 posted 2006-09-28 07:04 PM


Awwww! I agree with Sunshine. It's time to move on to a new court.
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
16 posted 2006-09-28 07:07 PM


Sue, thanks...but I'll stay right where I am for now...actually, this poem was just a poem...just an analogy.  I penned it for a friend.  
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
17 posted 2006-09-28 10:41 PM


An excellent write Jo..
This is a winner.
You do write in quite a different style than your sister Cathy.

Hugs~Nancy

~Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile~

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

18 posted 2006-09-28 11:51 PM


This reminded me of a story I read somewhere, about this guy who discovered the art of zen in the game of Tennis. In that story he related how he had become quite masterful in the game, winning match after match. But not without a price.

Y'see, in order to "get into the zone of zen" to play the game, he had to release his emotional investment in winning.

What he discovered, was that he didn't actually love playing tennis--he loved competition.

I don't mean that as commentary--it's just the story that your poem reminded me of...

and I loved the poem too.

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
19 posted 2006-09-29 12:13 PM


Thanks again, Nancy!


Ser....I had not heard that story, but know it to be true *smile*.  Games are about the competition, uh-huh, they are, and sometimes the competition can cause better performance or even growth....but that depends, of course, on the person.  Me, I think I'd rather go back to practicing on the backboard...lol.  *wicked grin* & *big hug* .....jojo

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
20 posted 2006-09-29 02:40 AM


Loved your poem, Jo, and I think the friend you penned it for could be all of us.  It seems to be the way of humans to think we're losing when, in fact, we're winning - we just can't see what we're winning and that is the pity.
iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
21 posted 2006-09-29 02:58 AM


Helen, thank you for your kindness...and yes, it could apply to anyone...and I agree with your observations.  *hugs*....jo
garysgirl
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
22 posted 2006-09-30 01:38 PM


Jo, glad to here the poem isn't about you....
but, glad to know you would know how to handle it if it were. LOL

Love the way you incorporated the game into the
poem. Yep, life is a game, isn't it?

Good to read you, my friend.
Hugs,
Ethel

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
23 posted 2006-09-30 02:16 PM


Thank you, sweet Ethel.  Hope you are doing well...keep us posted...you're still in my prayers.  *hugs*...jo
JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
24 posted 2006-09-30 10:32 PM


Enjoyed...James
marcel
Senior Member
since 2003-03-02
Posts 660
az, usa
25 posted 2006-10-01 09:41 PM


but still, you improve..not sure if it is a good thing not to lose...me thinks that leads to one being emotionless...wonderful writing...
sewasham
Senior Member
since 2006-09-11
Posts 714
Oklahoma, USA
26 posted 2006-10-01 11:54 PM


Nicely written. I'm sure there are many who can relate to this. Take care and Have fun. Steve


Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
27 posted 2006-10-24 02:59 AM




(angel friendship hugs) Unfortunately, I absolutely believe you're right that in sports often, competitiveness can overshadow ones love of the game ever too much like a solar eclipse of sorts overwhelming the atmosphere, and often I am weary of the conflict it can inspire so I often choose to play games independently! (sigh) This is a wonderfully thought-provoking poem, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Jo, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other"

Mother Teresa

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
28 posted 2006-10-24 03:01 AM


Hi, Noah Angel.  Thank you so much for "seeing" the poem and appreciating it.  We love you so much, too, Noah Angel!   ...jo
Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #39 » 40-Love to Ad-Out

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary