We have lost our way.

The path has faded and

dust blows in our eyes.

Up hill we stumble,

looking for the meeting place.

Once it was here at the top

of the steep mountain trail

but now there is no gathering place

only sand and bleached bones,

skulls stare at the sky.

This is no place of joy and song!

 

I thought this gathering was for shining youths.

Drugs unheard of, cheating unthinkable.

I thought of it as friendly competitions.

I thought that the youths would learn

from each other, in joy and cooperation,

I thought it was for the exchange –

of ideas, of how to improve our world.

I thought that this was to be The Prize.

I was wrong.

 

I was wrong, because I am old fashioned?

I thought dread lessons of racial superiority

would have taught us enough shame.

I thought but I was wrong.

I thought that The Games would not

involve Professionals among those taking part.

I was wrong.  How silly of me, how ironic!

I thought that taking part would be honor enough

for any youth, a trophy of immense value, of joy.

But I was wrong, I was wrong, I was wrong.

But still, in my heart, I know that I am right.

Taking part is reward enough, it is uplifting.

 

Some man said, “Winning is the only thing.”

He was wrong, he was wrong, he was wrong

and stupid to boot!

“Winning is not the only thing.” He was wrong!

Taking part is fun and important and uplifting.

Winning is also fun but it is only an outcome –

of two or more people or teams playing a game –

to the rules and in harmony and generosity of spirit.

 

Professionals are paid huge sums of money to

win games in any way they can.

They are brutal and like Bull Fighters,

they maim and kill for money.

The frenzied onlookers, as in Ancient Rome,

scream for more blood! Yes they do.

That is not uplifting, just savagery.

That is a business not a philosophy.

They should not be allowed

to take part in the Olympic Games.

Instinctively and philosophically

I know that I am right!

David Garlick, Sidney, February,  2010