An Olympic Moment
Enrobed with flags
these female gladiators
battle for Gold
vanquishing their enemies
in swimming pools, the
track, in the gym, and
on the road …
when their battles
have been fought
their conquests immortalized
for all time
former enemies are embraced,
old friendships re-established,
new relationships forged
in the heat of battle
as comeraderie brings rivaleries together
once the clocks have stopped
once the battle has ended
once the tears begin to flow,
tears are shed
as the joy of the moment
finally sets in.
No blood has been shed
in these peaceful battles
these are not enemies
of violence
but of sport
competitors on the field
friends in training, and
behind the scenes.
Oh, what secrets they must know
that the rest of the world
has forgotten — and should learn
that we should deal with our enemies
so graciously
settling our disputes
without sending
young men and women
off to fight.
These Noble Warriors
who wage their battles
without firing a shot
without taking
the life of another,
without taking a life,
Oh, what a glorious way
to wage a war.
For the women of the 2016 Olympics, particularly those of Canada’s Olympic Team.
