One newcomer, seated at a table,
Would inquire about a photograph on the passage;
An instructor would reply as he was capable,
Uttering these words on the stage:
“Aa and Bb, avowed as companions,
Would seize strides every now and then.
Bb, a chatty jester, and Aa, an earful patron,
Would one day behold familiar young men.
They’d stride with them right after they’d greet,
And Bb’s jests would become the show.
‘Years ago, I planted meat,’
He said, and jokingly so.
The young men remained cheerful yet mocking,
As Bb then proceeded with his way.
With Aa, the young men kept walking
On that casual, frigid day.
In mockery, they claimed he found Bb’s jest true,
Though Aa declared he knew none of it.
‘Hahaha! If Bb said it, then you’ve said it too,’
They claimed, ‘Now admit! Admit!’
They debated louder and louder,
Until an instructor arrived and thought it a conflict.
‘This shall be settled over a game of soccer,’
He said, and they’d concur, deeming him strict.
They’d soon part and tell of what transpired,
And soon the word had reached every ear;
They’d guard each motion, not to get tired,
And put it all to play when they’d appear.
Came the hour, all students would gather,
Summoning attention to many an instructor;
From such a sight came vim with every step —
A game that’d put the institution on the map.”
Malusi Aphelele Mbangata is a South African poet. He has hosted peopleexercise.wordpress.com, where he interviewed individuals on fitness-related matters, and where his poetry tutorial can be found.