The Beautiful Game by Connaire Kensit

Arts Richmond

Online - 13 February 2021

Luther poets had a session on ‘free verse’―poetry without a rhythmic pattern, known for the past hundred and ten years or so as Modern.  I don’t feel confident using this style,  but made this attempt. 

The Beautiful Game                           

Ref said my goal didn’t count: I was offside.        
     What’s “offside”, Dad?              
            Can you explain me the rule? 

The game’s beauty doesn’t lie in rules and regulations, my son,          
     but in the poetry-in-motion of pass            
               and strike,                  
          the joy of jostling, the swish                  
               of the whistling wind . . .    

You don’t understand the offside rule either, do you Dad?

     By Connaire Kensit 

Copies of the ‘ABOUT TIME’ Anthology, which consists of shortlisted entries from The Roger McGough Poetry Prize can be purchased for £5, including P&P from ArtsRichmond

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