Down from Olympus
They came down from Olympus,
great warrior gods of old,
they came down from Olympus,
nakedly beautiful and bold.
They cared not for riches,
they came for the game.
Representing their city states,
bringing good fortune and fame.
They played on the field,
of steadfast courage and zeal.
They played with determination,
with nerves that were steel.
The games were quite simple,
of speed, balance and strength.
Skills that required much practice,
played out on the entire field's length.
There were races of great challenge,
discus, javelin, jumping and throwing.
Fairness and honor among competitors,
left the victorious among them glowing.
But there was no shame,
for those who lost.
They gave their all,
and that's what it cost.
For winning they were awarded,
an olive laurel to grace their head.
They feasted and drank wine,
and returned home without dread.
For though they had gone to fight.
and pride may have been injured,
bloody combat was just, not right.
Copyright 2016 © Ronald W. Hull
8/11/16
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dash, standing broad jump and 440 relay. I was a tomboy...Yes, thanks to the Greeks we would not have an athletic community!
Always,
Deborah
Jon Peter