A March sonnet

Well, maybe this pushes the analogy too far...


Play to win

So what's the sport? What skills permit a scor-
ing strike, the galvanizing instant when
concerted efforts bear fruition? Lore
and hope accompany each fall of ten
or down of seven, or the point that wins
the match -- yet fans do not perceive the toil
that makes such moments possible. The spins
and swings and throws and kicks become like oil,
a satin flow of ease and confidence
when they're performed in competition. So,
if practice does make perfect, competence
derives from true commitment -- which we show
through diligence and trial. 'Tis the same
for sex - we practice so we'll win the game.