Freeze time.
Black sphere, elongated. Double yellow,
The colour’s blurred.
Sweat film on forehead,
My forehead,
Glassy. My eyes, straining;
It must be two feet,
Two feet at most.
Racket low, strings taught,
Leg bent, shoulder to knee.
That’s what they taught you,
“Shoulder to knee.”
Go for the drop, you’re moving in fast,
He won’t expect a drop,
To the right, he’s at left.
Hug the wall.
Tired.
Yes, but so‘s he; push him.
You’re up one set; he’s feeling it more,
You know that feeling, use it.
Get back to the middle, just in case;
It was his serve, you said nine,
Why did you say nine?
You win this point, you’ll win the next.
You’ll win.
Freeze time.
If only;
Set, match.
