Rio

Rio

 

 

 

the guts of the sport,

sporting guts they travel

through murky waters,

depressed towns,

shaky surroundings to light the torch

 

the environment edged with fear

concentration constructed better than the buildings

the poor traverse towards the games

playing their own likeness in backyards of grit

 

fortitude swims upstream

eyes closed, protected pupils 

of streetwise education,

 

dubious detachment, 

they fight on

with karaoke breaths getting more rapid

the song of summer solstice

 

the guts of the sport

sporting guts

let the games begin---

and let them end

without incident

 

the flame stronger than ever

the medals warm to the hearts' skin.

 

 

erin-cilberto

8/5/16

Reviews

[Sarah]

Really been enjoying the Olympics so far this year. It's a daring competition uniting the world, and I love the approach you took explaining the guts it takes to compete. Very nice poem.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Sarah...and good that the focus has been on the events rather than the dangers outside the arena.

appreciate your words,
j.

[Sarah]

Exactly. I took a course last semester in college about Latin American culture and I learned just how dangerous those southern countries can be. Yet, they hold such striking beauty that the world never gets to see because of the fear that exists. Such a shame, but such a blessing that the Olympics can now showcase what everyone is missing out on.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, such beautiful countryside...

[Lyn Anderson]

I am so glad you took this particular angle. You can't forget what the games are about. Never mind all the negativity that surrounds. My heart literally aches for Brasil. This is not how they imagined the world would see them -- their corrupt and lazy officials do not accurately represent their country, or their heart.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really like what you said here, KL...
the heart of it.

j.

[Alfred Kukitz]

The games, competition, guts all spilled out on the cover of a cereal box. Hey! Look a me. I won a gold medal and now I'm pushing dry cereal. I'm made it!

I'm voting gold medal for the poem.

Regards,
Al

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your words, very much, Al.

j.

[Ana Papaya]

There have been a few indcidents but I really hope they end without any BIG incidents.
I like the guts of your poem Jacob.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

me too...thank you, Ana..

j.

[andrew mitchell]

Yes Jacob Takes guts to travel where they are going especially when you are young and ignorant of the current dangers there, and just wanting to represent their country with a win. Mexico City would be another one. Lets hope they are safe!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, andrew...

j.

[Bright Ocean Star]

I liked this Jacob. I enjoyed the repetition of 'guts' throughout the piece. Its true. These competitors have a stronger constitution than my own. I would not go to these Olympics, but you are right. Many are coming from much poorer conditions than these. I also pray that nothing terrible happens in these games. Very well done.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Anne...especially worried about anything they are doing in the waters...

j.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Yes. So am I. I saw some of our swimmers in the murky pools swimming with snorkles. It's crazy.read moreYes. So am I. I saw some of our swimmers in the murky pools swimming with snorkles. It's crazy.

[Coyote Poetry]

I hope Rio does well with the Summer world event. I liked your description of Rio and the games. Strong flow of thoughts led to perfect ending my friend. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, Coyote...just want them all to be safe...

j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Me too and you are welcome.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It's such an exciting time, isn't it? Let's hope it ends peacefully!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, and yes, let's hope...appreciate your visit, Kelly.

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, let the games begin and let there be no awful incidents throughout the course of the games. We need this...the world does. Lovely, Jacob. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes we do...still wondering on that choice for location...but let's hope...

j.

[Paul Bell]

Hope to hell it goes well. Brazil certainly need a kick start.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

me too, Paul...hope so, too.

j.