The Road– to the U.S. Open– Not Taken: A Poem

Rafa skipped Wimbledon and the Olympics this summer.

An injured Nadal is always a bummer.

With his absence my mood tends to be glummer.

“I don’t want tournaments won by a newcomer!” 

What will I do? 

What will occupy my thoughts?

Will I waste my time arguing online with bots?

Watch every DCOM from the early aughts? 

Or read the news with my stomach in knots?

I sang the blues,

Read of failed coups, 

Took an ethics class, 

Paid my bar dues,

And then, out of nowhere, I received wonderful news.

He’s coming, he’s coming! Rafa is coming to town!

He’s coming, he’s coming to amuse Kristin Brown!

The Citi Open was thrilled to welcome a flock

Of Nadal fans who came to gawk at the jock.

For Rafa never played in the District before.

The tournament was added to test his foot sore 

And gauge if a US Open win was in store.

In my wildest dreams I couldn’t ask for more.

Roll out the red carpet

And sound the alarms!

Rafa is here,

Display all the charms!

He biked to the landmarks past manicured lawns.

He took walks through Georgetown just after dawn.

Abe, the Capitol, golf, and Levain 

Provide creature comforts found only in Spain 

And then maybe Rafa will come back again!

BUT

He was still hurt, withdrew for the year.

Cheers from Novak’s fans rang in my ears

And I sighed as my eyes welled with tears.

They were tied at 20 Slams with Roger Federer 

And Novak’s Grand Slam chances just got betterer. 

Of course Novak played the US Open this year.

Of course I watched while gripped with fear

And prayed Novak couldn’t reach the next gear

Because after two sets it was quite clear 

That Medvedev would triumph over Novak

As Rafa’s Slam hopes came rushing back.

Despite injury we were back on track!

The Russian prolonged the Slam count cold war

And gave Rafa a chance to raise the score

And for this gift Daniil I will always adore. 

Next year Rafa may win a Slam or two more.

Next year Rafa may return here on the tour

To the city with low buildings and certain allure,

Where he smiled, was beguiled, fans went wild.