“Americans like big scores,” you say.
They also like big steaks, big boobs, and big money.
“Soccer lacks drama,” you say.
Have you seen the World Cup?
Have you seen extra time, penalty shots?”
“Figures seem small on TV,” you say.
Are they any smaller than
our athletes buried under their uniforms?
“Soccer is a matter of strategy and luck,” you say.
What sport isn’t? All sports need skill.
“Individual accomplishment is not evident,” you say.
Do you know soccer stars are paid millions?
True, we will never be a soccer nation;
baseball, football and basketball hold sway,
but it’s not the rest of the world that’s crazy.
Mr. Jabbar, we are the only ones
outside the lines of a world-class sport.
THE POETRY OF THE GAME