an ode to Novak Djokovic

Like a sorcerer of the hard courts,
his speed, agility, and power
seem to defy possibility

With ferocious enthusiasm,
he returns aces as winners
and is in three places at once:
taking full shape
wherever the ball comes
to send it skidding off his opponent's line

But the magic comes and goes,
almost inexplicably:
first serves thud well into the net,
and brilliant strategy
fades to beatable power tennis

He bangs his head
with his racquet
and, afterward,
speaks most graciously
as he accepts the 2nd place trophy