Wendy Cope's "The Ted Williams Villanelle"

Tomorrow, Boston gets to celebrate two religious events. Not only is it Easter, but it is also opening day for the Red Sox. While comparing the two might seem sacrilegious, if you know any Red Sox fans, then you are also aware that baseball is like a religion to those people. To add to the general insanity of opening day, the Sox are playing the Yankees, so things are bound to get a little crazy in Fenway tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I don't really like sports; I can tolerate most of them, but baseball and football leave me completely perplexed. When you add in the increased traffic and noise, baseball season is enough to make me wish for the silent chill of winter.

On a brighter note, the start of baseball season did remind me of Wendy Cope's brilliant "The Ted Williams Villanelle." Besides being in one of my favorite poetry styles, the poem offers a wonderful example of extended metaphor (or conceit, for you English majors) that is understandable and relatable.

Although it is about baseball, its ideas apply to most facets of life. In many ways, this poem is a strange but wondrous mix of "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" and Rudyard Kipling's "If-". Even as it urges us to ignore the negative influences around us, it also encourages us to enjoy life while we can.

Enjoy, and "don't let anybody mess with your swing"!

The Ted Williams Villanelle
"Don't let anybody mess with your swing."
- Ted Williams, baseball player

Watch the ball and do your thing.
This is the moment. Here's your chance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.

Its time to shine. You're in the ring.
Step forward, adopt a winning stance,
Watch the ball and do your thing,

And while the ball is taking wing,
Run without a backward glance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.

Don't let envious bastards bring
You down. Ignore the sneers, the can'ts.
watch the ball and do your thing.

Sing out, if you want to sing.
Jump up, when you long to dance.
Don't let anybody mess with your swing.

Enjoy your talents. Have your fling.
The seasons change. The years advance.
Watch the ball and do your thing,
And don't let anybody mess with your swing.

(C)Wendy Cope (1945-)
(for Ari Badaines)