One on One

we leave no room for failure

when two people compete.

but too often

we lambaste the weaker with

shouts

and

negative press

and

we forget

that somebody always has to come

up

short.

wars aren’t won by both sides

but

after the barrage of infantry

tanks and other vehicles

two sides

can

lose

but,

not in this America.

coming up short is failure

even when

someone must despair.

why didn’t you win?

why didn’t you beat the bloody shit out of him?

the public demands answers.

nobody thinks of the losers.

we discard them and move along with the winner.

even if the winner is a convicted

baby killer

or eats meat.

the winner is strong

and the loser is weak

in this America.

but the loser fought.

and one day

the joy of sport and competition

will overshadow

the ego,

sadly,

not in this America.