DAVID WAPAR

An entry in The Crocodile Prize
Kina Securities Award for Poetry

I stand on the sideline and watch them pass the ball
It’s almost full-time when fatigue will take its toll

I stand and watch from afar as they pass the buck
I can’t comprehend as they have broken the ruck

The Reds’ captain accuses while the Greens’ denies
I hope no mistakes slip away before full-time

From the sideline I watch them exchange blows
Whenever that will end, nobody but only God knows

I read the paper in anticipation to see which side won
No results yet, so they say as the game rolls on

Substitutes hi-five each other as they take the field
Minutes and seconds count down as they brandish

Politics is a game not for those who give in easily
In PNG, we swarm after the ball until the final whistle

I wonder who will accept defeat this time
I shall humbly see and hear from the sideline