Civilities

    The delicate corner shot,
Slicing the strings precise across the ball
At the right time, so that it lightly hits
        On one side wall,
    Kisses the front, then falls
Quick-dying down, most irretrievable,

    Is difficult to do
Unless a calm, an inner certainty
Comes to you softly in the midst of war,
        Setting you free
    From the slam-bang desire
To smash it hard no matter where. To be

    So deftly sure, so wise
Wins points in squash. In another, harder game,
Word-play, a similar civility
        May equally tame
    Peaceless desires, and make
Your opponent yours by a nicety of name.