“For Naomi Osaka” by David Starkey

A Poet Watches Tennis

Naomi Osaka

Thu Sep 16, 2021 | 10:09am

It doesn’t really matter 

if you can’t handle a lefty’s

serve or miss an easy volley,

if your topspin’s off,

and your footwork’s slow,

and you’re stranded, again,

in no-man’s land, no,

what counts is if you’re kind

and contemplative and stand up

for those who are suffering

and weak, and you are, 

Naomi, and you do.

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