Question

Confessions of a born spectator line by line explanation

Answer 1

One infant grows up and becomes a jockey
Another plays basketball or hockey
This one the prize ring hates to enter
That one becomes a tackle or center
I am just glad as glad can be
That I am not them, that they are not me

With all my heart I do admire
Athletes who sweat for fun or hire
Who take the field in gaudy pomp
And maim each other as they romp

My limp and bashful spirit feeds
On other people's heroic deeds
Now A runs ninety yards to score
B knocks the champion to the floor

C risking vertebrae and spines
Lashes his steed across the line
You'd think my ego it would please
To swap positions with one of these


Well, ego it might be pleased enoughBut zealous athletes play so roughThey do not ever in their dealingsConsider one another's feelings

I'm glad that when my struggle begins'Twixt prudence and ego, prudence wins

When swollen eye meets gnarled firstWhen snaps the knee, and cracks the wristWhen officialdom demandsIs there a doctor in the stands?My soul in true thanksgiving speaksFor this modest of physiques

‘Athletes, I'll drink to you,Or eat with youOr anything except compete with youBuy tickets worth their radiumTo watch you gamble in the stadium

And reassure myself anewThat you are not me and I'm not you’.