Followers

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Judoka


JUDOKA
To my father

Grappling for smallest advantage,
Shifting weight left, right,
Right, left,
He tugs, pulls, jostles,
Feints, hoists,
Heaves,
Wound-up athlete
Poised to hurl, fling, explode…
Coiled jumper,
Drawn bow,
Hidden in grass, wildcat
Eyeing prey, he waits…
It happens—
Momentary weakness,
Instant hesitation,
Pause off-balance,
Sliver-sized opening, door—
Sudden soundless bolt,
Swift glider in descent,
Juggernaut runaway truck,
He throws his opponent,
Alarm bells yelling,
Pins him down
Penny-flat,
Binds his arms
Sheaf-tight,
Gasping fish
Struggling like water
To hold its shape.

Originally published in Whirlwind, Issue 4 (Spring 2015), page 26



He tugs, pulls, jostles...

2 comments:

  1. Also published in Arlijo, Issue 86 (March 1, 2016)

    Gonzalinho

    ReplyDelete
  2. Photo: 2012 London Olympics, Men's Judo -81 kg Gold Medal Match

    Photo courtesy of Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service

    Photo link:

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Judo_at_the_2012_Summer_Olympics#/media/File:KOCIS_Korea_Judo_Kim_Jaebum_London_03_%287696374492%29.jpg

    Gonzalinho

    ReplyDelete