Warm Up Not everybody loves to play and participate in games, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Some of us wish to be mere spectators. List out the activities in which you like to be either a performer or a spectator. Share your views with the class.
Here is a poem by Ogden Nash who believes that a spectator can be as enthusiastic as a player. Now let’s read and enjoy the poem ‘Confessions of a Born Spectator’. 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, Cracking vertebrae and spines, Lashes his steed across the line, You’d think my ego it would please To swap positions with one of these. Activities performer / player spectator / audience e.g. cricket magician a. b.
c. d. e. Well, ego it might be pleased enough, But zealous athletes play so rough They do not ever in their dealings Consider one another’s feelings.
I’m glad that when my struggle begins ‘Twixt prudence and ego, prudence wins. When swollen eye meets gnarled fist When snaps the knee, and cracks the wrist, When officialdom demands, Is there a doctor in the stands? My soul in true thanksgiving speaks For this modest of physiques. “Athletes, I’ll drink to you Or eat with you, Or anything except compete with you, Buy tickets worth their radium, To watch you gambol in the stadium, And reassure myself anew That you are not me and I’m not you”.
Confessions of a Born Spectator Poem Unit Ogden Nash -B-Poem-Confessions of a Born - - :