By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2022

First published in Academy of the Heart and Mind (November 3, 2022)

Sounding his pain…
playing each match like his last
defying all that say
his best days are in the past…

Coated in dirt…
thumping off layers of clay
caked on his tennis shoes,
from sprinted shots on display.

Dripping in sweat…
hyper-rotating the ball
to maximize its spin
whipping it past each rival.

Pumping his fist…
both eyes burning fire — intense,
thumping a winner past,
ripping it, ending suspense.

Sliding to reach…
a shot caroming away
diagonally off court
his stretch keeping it in play.

Closing the gap…
pouncing on a short return,
brushing over its top,
angled sharp to max heartburn.

Caressing felt…
gently slicing back the ball,
a masterful drop shot,
engineered for a soft fall.

Crushing forehand…
heavy, blasting down the line,
forcing a weak lob back,
for his overhead to shine.

Who is this man
if not Rafa, King of Clay?
Lord of Roland Garros —
May no mortal bar his way.