Leo Tolstoy picked up tennis late in life, even though at one point seeing it as symbolic of bourgeois decadence. A look at the novel “Resurrection” explains why he changed.
Tag Archives: tennis
Federer, Unlike Ulysses, a Family Man Hero
Time and again with Roger Federer, thinking he is nearing his end, I have cited Tennyson’s “Ulysses.” He keeps proving me wrong. One reason may be because he has a different relationship with his family than Tennyson’s protagonist has.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Aging, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Roger Federer, Ulysses, Venus Williams Comments closed
Sports Injuries, Declining Magical Powers
My tennis performance, once decent, has declined since I suffered a foot injury and underwent cataract surgery. I therefore find myself identifying with Ged In LeGuin’s “Wizard of Earthsea” and Taran in “Black Cauldron” when they suddenly find themselves stripped of magical powers.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Black Cauldron, injury, Lloyd Alexander, recovery, Ursula Leguin, Wizard of Earthsea Comments closed
One Equal Temper of Heroic Hearts
Federer and Nadal resumed their legendary rivalry in the Australian Open finals and played a match for the ages. They are both old in tennis terms and by all rights should have been surpassed by the next generation. Therefore Tennyson’s “Ulysses” seems the proper poem to acknowledge them.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Alfred Lord Tennyson, Australian Open, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Ulysses Comments closed
Marriage & Tennis, One and the Same
Maxine Kumin’s poem “Prothalamion” is at once a celebration of marriage and tennis. I share it today to honor Roger Federer, who continues to dazzle long past the expiration date for tennis players.
Strong in Will vs. Time & Fate
Roger Feder, like Tennyson’s “Ulysses,” braved time and fate and came up just short.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged aging athletes, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Roger Federer, Sports, Ulysses, Wimbledon Comments closed
The Agony of a Federer Fan
Federer’s early tournament losses bring about an agony not unlike that of poet Richard Shelton mourning the death of his beloved Sonora Desert.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged "Requiem for Sonora", age and aging, Richard Shelton, Roger Federer Comments closed
