This poem, broadcast on the BBC World Service in 2011, dates from a time when British tennis success seemed unthinkable – but maybe it’s now relevant in another sport of your choosing!
A Briton at Wimbledon
you assert
he dictates
you go for the kill
he assassinates
he knows he will
you think you might
you say good evening
he says goodnight
he lifts an eyebrow
you’re known to quibble
he is a canapé
you are the nibbles
you are the liver
he is the pâté
he’s an espresso
you are a latte
you are a penthouse
he is a chateau
he’s at his peak
you’re at your plateau
you’re a repeat
he’s an encore
you are his battle
he is your war
he gets the cup
you get the mug
we shake his hand
but you we hug
- Audio broadcast of the poem being read on the The World Today (now Weekend) on the BBC World Service on 26 June 2011: