Sweat streams down my face
I’m up on my toes
Ready for anything
Except
A fuzzy, yellow orb careening towards my head
I jump to the side
And hit the ball with my racquet
It races back to the other side
I recover to the center
My opponent returns the ball with more force
I barely get it back
We settle into a rally

Crosscourt
Crosscourt
Crosscourt
Crosscourt…

My opponent slam the ball
I hit a weak shot down the line
He rushes in
I see the fire in his eyes
He’s almost smiling
As he smashes the ball down
And crushes my dreams

I stagger to the bench
My only support
I cover my head with a towel
I’m isolated from the world

Sweat streams down my face
And mixes with my tears
I am crushed
Along with my dreams