What's Old is New Again

Image Borrowed from CheatSheet.

Almost ten years ago, I wrote a subpar poem (later published in an early Bagels with The Bards book) that tried to comment on how strange it seemed that the elevation of Boston/New England sports teams into champions seemed to correlate with a horrible president in office (and yes, I'm talking to you, G.W. Bush apologists. If your guy looks good only when standing next to Trump, you should give it up).

It's weird what a few years will do.

In the wake of the New England Patriots going up against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Superbowl--again--I present my 2006 poem--a sestina no less--with no further comment. Thanks to Tom Daley for helping me whip this into shape.


Go Team?

2005. I look for meaning in the Superbowl.
My hometown makes a deal: Cheer for the Patriots,
and we’ll be led to riots or parades.
Maybe both. I barely know the players.
I focus on colors and symbols,
designed like a book of America,

which may not exist. Was written America
replaced with DVDs, clipped like Superbowl
recaps, summer movie-like, tedious symbolism
removed? They say true patriots
need only the moral, only three second quips, a player’s
instruction between parades.

The home team wins. I brace for more parades,
my work commute blocked by jerseys, colored American.
Already early tomorrow in Iraq, different players
force themselves awake to catch the Superbowl
as it happens. Patriots cheering Patriots.
How appropriate. Cymbals

clashing for ourselves, no symbol
ever substituting the stars and stripes. Here’s a parade
of millions standing alone. Did the word “patriot”
exist before America?
Before this Superbowl,
9/11 followed with players

assuming roles, players
for Patriots first succumbing to New York Jets? Symbols
fascinate me. Months after 9/11, Superbowl,
and Patriots beat holy Rams. Parades
need more than God for a reason. America
fills its chessboard with bishops and knights. Patriot

games, home rules everywhere. Last Superbowl, the Patriots,
pre-election, snubbed Panthers (a symbol used by players
who are not team players). America
would rather stick with certain symbols.
Diverse banners confuse a parade.
Tonight, neither a fan nor with one, why follow this Superbowl?

This Superbowl has both Eagles and Patriots.
This parade: same side, two players.
Symbols say: only America can beat America.