Ode To a Golf Ball

O tiny, dimpled sphere, virginal white,  
Whooshing on your preordain-ed flight:     
What motivates your Lord to curses spew  
When you've done naught but to his swing be true?   

Slice, and down he calls the wrath of God  
On you and those who made you;  
Hook, and here he whines you failed to heed  
His clear intent to fade you.  

You moved, he reasons, at the bottom of the downswing of the shot  
(As if, inanimate jot, you have the power to move, or not).  
“You’re old,” he mutters when a feeble, graceless effort  
Sends you only laughing distance off the tee.  
“Too bold,” he sputters when a misselected iron 
Flies you over green to rest behind a tree.  

Err as physics dictate, and Lo!, you are to blame;
Perform as he expects of you, no credit's due, 
Only commands that you do more of same.  

You are twice cut by lethal hacks that scar your face with "smiles.” 
(“Grimace” is the better word.)  
While the acid words he throws at you,
The vitriol he blows at you,
Drain his duffer's bile.

Injustice is your lot, bedeviled wretch, until you cease 
Behind a bush or in some pond find peace;  
For when you’re lost in water, wood, or shrub, 
The cretin will commence to fault his club.

1/5/2016

Any Poem Contest
Sponsor: Broken Wings
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Callus Avatar
February 19, 2016 at 5:22 PM
I loved reading this creative poem, Steve; and in the process felt sorry for the golf ball! Thanks for sharing. ~ Regards // paul
Grammatico Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 4:19 AM
Thanks, Paul. Funny thing is, I wrote this maybe 45 years ago, giving up on it then because I couldn't figure out a way to end it. A fresh look in response to the contest, and I saw the solution almost instantly.
Nunez Avatar
February 19, 2016 at 12:50 AM
Loved this first post. A belated welcome to PS, Steve!
A   Avatar
January 26, 2016 at 10:13 PM
Steve, Congratulations on your winning poem. XOX - LINDA -
Grammatico Avatar
January 27, 2016 at 5:23 AM
Thanks, Linda. You and others have made me feel very elcome here.
A  Avatar
January 18, 2016 at 8:55 AM
STEVE, Congrats on your any poem win. ** SKAT **
Grammatico Avatar
January 22, 2016 at 3:04 PM
Very much appreciated.
Inman Avatar
January 17, 2016 at 8:33 AM
Sounds like thoughts from a true golfer. Nicely written Steve.
Grammatico Avatar
January 22, 2016 at 3:06 PM
Ah, more like a true duffer. But thanks.
Allison Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 5:27 PM
made me smile Steve I attempted to play golf .. I failed dismally but loved the long walk:-) hugs Jan xx
Grammatico Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Jan, you are in good company--the game is impossible for almost everyone. Even the professionals struggle. Anyway, thanks for writing.
Gentry Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 4:32 PM
Congratulations on placing in the contest! I do not know a thing about golf - very interesting poem in spite of that.
Grammatico Avatar
January 16, 2016 at 6:05 PM
Susan, thank you. The only thing I know for sure about the game is that it's addictive.
Thirtyseven Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 5:32 AM
Clap, clap, and a quiet hurrah. Great poem, a most enjoyable read indeed. I gave up golf many years ago when I kept the same ball for a whole 9 holes. Never made par, but I figured not loosing the ball was a high point.
Grammatico Avatar
January 14, 2016 at 7:36 PM
God, I wish I could give up the game. Invariably, when I stand on the first tee, I'm optimistic. Invariably, when I'm walking off #18, I look at the golfers on #1 and feel sorry for them. And I keep going back. There's a golf course in hell, I'll bet.
Grammatico Avatar
January 7, 2016 at 4:40 AM
Thank you all for the kind words and warm welcome.
A   Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 12:20 AM
Steve, WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you have fun with this wonderful community. You'll find many friendly poets who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I will enjoy following you and your poetry :) We are Lucky To Have you. Enjoy Poetry Soup:) Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@
Grammatico Avatar
January 31, 2016 at 4:03 AM
A belated thank you for your warm welcome, Linda. I will try to follow your example with new arrivals.
Fisher Avatar
January 5, 2016 at 5:56 PM
Welcome to the Soup, Steve! Enjoyed your ode to that little dimpled orb...if your golf play is like your writing then I think you can hit them straight and far. Also got a laugh at the ending.
Grammatico Avatar
January 31, 2016 at 4:04 AM
A belated thanks for your welcome, David. And I do play golf like I write: lots of swings and misses.
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