All the pre-match clutter as they toss to see who bats first.
A day at the cricket
The crowd are people-pixels, sun grilled
And shimmering with hope. A boy, half aware of play
Picasso-eyes a girl in red; he looks away
At the sharp head-toss. She’s noticed; he’s thrilled.
He checks the grown-ups, engrossed in chit and chat:
Kids? – All great; work? – a shrug. Vacation
Plans? A nod, a smile, a frown. Commotion –
A wicket falls. Distracted. All half clap
‘That’s a shame’. Boy nods. Pretends not to know
She’s grinning. ‘A beer?’ ‘Yes please.’ ‘Oh good shot!’
‘He’s looking set.’ ‘Good toss to win.’ ‘We’ll not
Be long.’ The boy nods, desperate they go.
Alone, he turns. The girl has gone. First hope soars
Then falls. Life mirrors cricket. A day at Lord’s.
actually I was at the Oval not Lords, but who’s counting…
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About TanGental
My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
TanGental 
What a stunning way to embed an analogy–the never-ending cycle of love-at-first-sight and games of cricket. The language mirrors the give and take of plays, ah, then defeat. Cupid moves on, unseen.
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Thank you Charli. I’m battling with your prompt btw but I will get there!
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I love the poem!
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🙂
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A perfect catch. Well done!
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