Ode to Squash

Alas, my friends
It is no guord of which I speak
Nor mere IV sport, weakly spent

Squash is life,
Nothing less.
Allow my encomium,
Though death is surely
Not in the cards

More than sport,
Or means for a living
Such as Tennis or Boxing, or
Bowling or Golf, or
Another racquet alternative,
And quite unforgiving
Can be tested from young to old
No words need be uttered
Actions being the only
True messengers
On the court

Analogies are insufficient
Neither shall comparison relent
Poker, comprising
Attack of and defense of the will, comes close
For the bluff is a constant component
As well as aggression and composure
Applying pressure, resisting the same
Chess falls, with its sincere master
In equal vein
Strategy inherent,
Efficiency of delivery,
Sacrificial plays
Constant drain

A martial art comprising
Strings and a dead ball
180 miles per hour
From racquet to wall
Manipulation, conditioning
Presence of mind, good form
Proper stance and
Follow through the
Ever-present norm

Control and power are your friends
The former derived of the latter
Your opponent is only a mirror --
Your challenger tests your resolve
Awaiting your mistake

You, yourself, are
Indeed
Your only true enemy