“For Naomi Osaka” by David Starkey
A Poet Watches Tennis
Naomi Osaka | Credit: Courtesy
It doesn’t really matter
if you can’t handle a lefty’s
serve or miss an easy volley,
if your topspin’s off,
and your footwork’s slow,
and you’re stranded, again,
in no-man’s land, no,
what counts is if you’re kind
and contemplative and stand up
for those who are suffering
and weak, and you are,
Naomi, and you do.
