Dear Editor,
The shadows are creeping on the ground, getting longer and wider, looking not lazy but tired. The sun is quickly fading on the homestretch, racing away to kiss the horizon, having baked the skin to leave pearls of salt with sweaty shirts clinging on a wet comfort. The wind withdrew a while ago to retreat for the day, having served vitality with refreshing energy. Only the firm field stood its ground to withstand all the walking, running, trampling, striding, rolling, tumbling, kicking, scratching, scraping, pelting, hitting and stampeding.
It never complained nor acknowledged the hurls of abuse but welcomed the grazing, bruising and tormenting of its fatigued body as a reason to become more resolute and to continue to colour a brighter green. This display of strength, determination, resilience and generosity, solidifying each speck of dust and consolidating every morsel of dirt, maintains a foundation of not forsaking nor criticising anyone, regardless of their treatment and still smiles with a promise that, she, mother earth, will still be there tomorrow, ready, willing and culpable to greet you again, but, you may not be there to reciprocate. Is the heart to realise that it is only a subject as an organ of flesh, blood and tissue with no room for compassion or concern as an object?
It is the last day of play. What an exciting and keen contest it has been. Both sides fought diligently, stubbornly, earnestly and honestly according to each other’s policies. The principle of moral dignity is exemplified and interpreted according to each side exercising its right to protect, provide and utilise its oxygen in order to survive. Rules and regulations are meant to guide, observe and adhere to. Manipulation is not sidelined but strengths and weaknesses are capitalised upon and used to the convenience of exploiting strategically.
Winning or losing is not necessarily decided by the umpires. Defying the hurdles determines how the leader chooses to defuse all obstacles and impediments. The last call is always decided and/or undecided by the public, audience and spectator’s views and opinions. The analysis is rationalised by one’s perception and not by the confirmation of facts, figures, scores or results. Do we pay for the expense of the ticket or for the cost of glory?
The danger of any damage is dangling yet not demoralising and, the celebration of civility for any celebrity is yet to be certified. The last delivery in the last over is about to be bowled. The crowd remains understandably perplexed and tensed, although appreciatively decisive and convinced. Fussing, fuming, fantasising and fascinated, a few are emotionally constrained, others exuberantly overjoyed, many shocked, dazed and confused and some in a state of disbelief and denial.
Fans and fanatics, both are furthering for their favourite and clamouring for the culmination of the climax. Maths and stats will be a ball-by-ball play for many following days to come until the novelty rests with history. One ball to go, one run to go and one wicket to go. Will the ball be the trump or the bat will triumph? The match is not over until the last ball is bowled. Such is the power of the play. For many, cricket, tennis, volleyball, football, basketball or baseball, is a glorious ballgame and politics is a dirty game! Meanwhile, enjoy the remainder of the game. Did we get our money’s worth?
Respectfully,
Jai Lall
