Though you think it’s you
I have need to defeat
You are wrong
I train every day
Every waking moment
Hours of pain and sweat
Muscular frame
Put through agony
For one brief moment’s ecstasy
Tortured dreams reveal
My life’s struggle
To defeat
My fears
Bite off the tears
Smite hesitation’s doubt
Flout the rules
Of what the human form may do
It’s not you
I fight
Not you I need to defeat
My brother
My struggle to win
Means I must conquer
Forever
The me
O ~ o ~
With thanks to Sleepy Drafts for reminding me that a poet lays down what is in their head. Inspired by comments made by a tennis champion. Don’t recall which one.
Written on a tram journey from Elmers End (middle right) to Wimbledon (far left).
Thanks for reading
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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More stories from Raymond G. Taylor and writers in Poets and other communities.
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If I were asked to remark on my life and the childhood that paved some road leading me to this point, I would have to say something about all the funny people who surrounded me for the last 26,872 days (and counting). Somewhere along that road, I became a big fan of laughter and the comedy that spawns it – and, I mean not only my own laughter, but the laughter of others, some of which I have actually been responsible for inducing.
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Comments (10)
I always appreciate how you blend in the perfect piece of artwork and delve into the depths of the soul! Great job!
Excellent!
Powerful! I know what it’s like being trapped in that motivation of having to defeat and conquer. That addiction of having to be #1 at any cost. You captured that feeling well.
I love watching tennis but my psyche and the psyche of a tennis champion are so different. This shows that difference, that physical commitment.
I love the powerful energy in this.
This is awesome, Raymond!!
Great work and what a poem to start working out and becoming healthier body and soul.
That felt very powerful to me. Loved your poem!
excellent poem
Made me think of "Health Fanatic" by Dr John Cooper Clarke https://youtu.be/RTh0b4ScfP0?si=YX8cZ7vA1dBZwsMF