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... |
Also published in Arlijo, Issue 86 (March 1, 2016)
ReplyDeleteGonzalinho
Photo: 2012 London Olympics, Men's Judo -81 kg Gold Medal Match
ReplyDeletePhoto 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