Cocky

In tennis, the players

Whom I am embracing

Are those who are, most

Of the time, self-effacing.

 

They might crack a smile

If they make a great shot

Or give a huge shout,

But one thing they are not

 

Is cocky, encouraging

Fans to applaud.

To me, that’s behavior

Obnoxious and flawed.

 

Some beckon with hand signals:

“Give me some praise!”

Or grab both their ears

For some louder displays.

 

It reminds me of someone,

You’ll surely surmise,

Who demands to be handed

A Nobel Peace prize.

 

For those most deserving

Of tributes to bask in

Are those who would never

Sink low and start askin’.