Cannot Win, Cannot Lose

‘Love All’- the chair umpire announces She whispers, ‘Love one’ He whispers back, ‘Love two’ And the game begins Playing field, uneven Two middle-aged, thus engaged In more than just a game Mind you, no ‘Exhibition Match’ this They know the world loves ‘exhibitions’ He sends the first serve- ‘stinging’ She manages to volley back He seems to be at an ‘advantage’ But he cannot ‘win’ her And she cannot ‘lose’ him Empty stands Different worlds The ‘Big Umpire’ on His perch Wonders, “Where’s the game heading?” A draw? No, none in this game There’s no draw in tennis It soon becomes- ‘Game’, ‘Set’ and ‘Match Point’ Suddenly the two different worlds Come crashing down Game over.