Marion Strobel

From “Perennials”

LET me play net and smash it at his feet,

And laugh to see his racket hit the ground!

Or cut it lightly so it spins

Back toward me,

While his body, like a gargoyle leaning out,

Sprawls toward the net

And hits the mesh!

Or serve, and skim the net to his left side,

And as he pops a backhand futilely

Stroke it again to his left side,

And watch him try to take it on his forehand—

And go down!