By Sue Molony

I see the squirrel sitting on the fence,  
the cat, the fox, the visitors at dusk, 
I see them stalk the bushes, through the scrub,  
the brambles and the mildewed tennis balls,  
Like me they feel all seasons in one day,  
The dark, the clouds, the sunlight on the lawn. 
They watch but do not see my inner game;  
The one I play against myself.  
Alert, asleep, I never know which one  
I’ll be until I step onto the court.  
I’ve laughed out loud and cried inside as well. 
I’ve hit the sweet spot and I’ve missed it by a mile 
I’ve punched a volley and I’ve choked.  
I’ve felt awake, young, old and most of all alive, 
How I’ve missed my happy place, court number 5!