Home | | English 11th std | Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator

Poem by Frederic Ogden Nash - Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator | 11th English : UNIT 2 : Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator

Chapter: 11th English : UNIT 2 : Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator

Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator

English Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator by Ogden Nash.

Poem

Confessions of a Born Spectator


Here is a poem by Ogden Nash who believes that a spectator can be as enthusiastic as a player. Now let’s read and enjoy the poem ‘Confessions of a Born Spectator’.

 

One infant grows up and becomes a jockey,

Another plays basketball or hockey,

This one the prize ring hates to enter

That one becomes a tackle or center,

I am just glad as glad can be

That I am not them, that they are not me.

 

With all my heart I do admire

Athletes who sweat for fun or hire,

Who take the field in gaudy pomp,

And maim each other as they romp,

My limp and bashful spirit feeds

On other people’s heroic deeds.

 

Now A runs ninety yards to score,

B knocks the champion to the floor,

Cracking vertebrae and spines,

Lashes his steed across the line,

You’d think my ego it would please

To swap positions with one of these.

 

Well, ego it might be pleased enough,

But zealous athletes play so rough

They do not ever in their dealings

Consider one another’s feelings.

I’m glad that when my struggle begins ‘Twixt prudence and ego, prudence wins.

When swollen eye meets gnarled fist

 

When snaps the knee, and cracks the wrist,

When officialdom demands,

Is there a doctor in the stands?

My soul in true thanksgiving speaks

For this modest of physiques.

 

“Athletes, I’ll drink to you Or eat with you,

Or anything except compete with you, Buy tickets worth their radium,

To watch you gambol in the stadium, And reassure myself anew

That you are not me and I’m not you.

 

 

About the Author

Frederic Ogden Nash (August 19, 1902 – May 19, 1971) was an American poet well known for his light verse, of which he wrote over 500 pieces. With his unconventional rhyming schemes, he was declared the country’s best-known producer of humorous poetry. His light verse even earned him a place on a postage stamp.

 

Tags : Poem by Frederic Ogden Nash , 11th English : UNIT 2 : Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator
Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail
11th English : UNIT 2 : Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator : Poem: Confessions of Born Spectator | Poem by Frederic Ogden Nash


Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant

Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.