They Call It Super

Game, contest, conflict, battle

same as twenty-odd times before this year

yet radically different all the same.

Studying, taping, stretching, psyching

familiar prep work but the stage is ultimate

performed before a chosen few while beamed worldwide.

Introspective, passion, elation, mortification

the full buffet of emotions braced by a well-stocked bar

sampled by the fervently devoted along side the mildly amused.

Clash, quiet, regroup, reengage

Arbitrated by seven with an overseeing eye

inevitable blind spots give rise to continued controversy.

Silence, screaming, praying, cursing

a full exchange of verbal darts and hard currency

among close friends, acquaintances, and perfect strangers.

Crack back, leg whip, horse-collar, spear

pain dispensed purely by accident or with malicious intent

valid substitute for war if only for universal consent.

Stillness, eruption, glory, despair

an exalted victor rises while the vanquished foe falls

as prescribed by the law of sport written by man.

Cash, credit, barter, gift

comes with a price as all things valued

payment in full by purse, wallet, body and soul.

With grateful thanks to a passing morning muse