The Aussie grand slam is here again,
The players are practising, feeling no pain.
The racquets swing in the summer heat,
No one is playing with two left feet.
It’s hot on the court in the sweltering sun.
We constantly wonder how the players can run.
Fashion aside, sweat drips and it shines
As muscles bulge and balls just miss the line.
They must wish for a bit of the Wimbledon rain.
Perhaps just a shower, to relieve the pain
Of unrelenting heat, as they hit to and fro
Up to the net, knees bending down low.
Agassi sprints as light as a feather
He’s older now, but better than ever.
Pirouetting across the court
Against younger opponents the game is fought.
The fans are
queuing at Rod Laver arena,
The pride of Australia has just hit a screamer,
“C’mon,” Lleyton shouts, pumps the air with his fist.
He’s sure to be near the top of the list.
The Scud isn’t here.He’s home nursing a pain,
Next year, for sure, he’ll be back again.
With tall blonde Maria the decibels rise,
The Sharapova shriek permeates the skies.
Serena and Venus looking fit as can be,
Are posing for photographs under a tree.
Our own Alicia of whom we’re so proud,
Is cheered onto the court by an adoring crowd.
The ladies are lovely and ever so pretty,
We welcome them all to our wonderful city.
Men of all nations, talent and sizes,
Are chasing one of the world’s greatest prizes.
We don’t really care who does actually win,
A Russian, a Spaniard or even a Finn!
They all meld together in the one cooking pot
The Rod Laver arena, and boy! Is it hot!
Heads are turning at Melbourne Park,
The Australian Open is making its mark.
For everyone knows, Aussie fans love a winner,
With the toss of a coin, we shout, “Come on in spinner.”
Of the world’s greatest players, we’re fans to the
core.
For a hundred miles you can hear us all roar
When Federer smashes one down the line,
We can go home well satisfied; we’ve had a good time.
The
Poet - Neva Chan-Algie
Neva
Chan-Algie lives in the Yarra Valley, a wine producing region in
Victoria, not far from Melbourne ... where The Australian Open is
held. She is a published Article and Short Story writer, as
well as having had her work read on Radio Australia. She is
also interested in children's literature.
