Poetry Analysis

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Soccer, Karoo Style

Original Poetry

Translation

We had to shoo a fat sow, three piglets

We had to move a fat pig, three small pigs

and a family of chickens off the pitch,

and a group of chickens off the field,

then carry a somnambulant great dane

then carry a very sleepy big dog

from the penalty spot before the game

could begin. Shortly after half-time

could start. Shortly after the break

our goalkeeper hoofed the ball skyward

our goalkeeper kicked the ball high

and I burst into flower and wobbled

and I bloomed and wobbled

to earth

to the ground.

Both captains tried to shove the bulging

Both team leaders tried to push the swollen

rubber back into its pod, but, with a sad

ball back into its shape, but, with a sad

pssst, it died. I thought that was the end

hiss, it deflated. I thought that was the end

of the game, but someone quickly collected

of the game, but someone quickly gathered

old socks and underpants and stuffed them

old socks and underwear and stuffed them

inside the leather casing, and he game

inside the leather cover, and the game

went on, to end in a goalless draw.

continued, ending in a scoreless tie.

The teams trooped off the pitch

The teams walked off the field

and the great dane, with a deep sigh,

and the big dog, with a deep sigh,

slouched towards the penalty spot.

walked slowly towards the penalty spot.

Explanation

The poem 'Soccer, Karoo Style' by Clive Lawrence humorously depicts a soccer game in a rural setting in the Karoo region. The game begins with the players having to clear animals from the field, emphasizing the rustic and improvised nature of the setting. The poem captures the whimsical and unexpected challenges faced during the game, such as the ball bursting and being repaired with old clothing. This reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of the players. The imagery of animals and the casual, almost chaotic atmosphere highlight the unique charm of playing soccer in such an environment. The poem ends with the great dane returning to the penalty spot, suggesting a return to normalcy after the game. The poem uses vivid imagery and humor to convey themes of improvisation, community, and the joy of playing despite obstacles.

Word Dictionary7

Word	In English	Plain (English)	Pron.
somnambulant	sleepy, drowsy	very sleepy or appearing to be sleepwalking	som-nam-byoo-luhnt
hoofed	kicked	to kick hard	hoo-fd
wobbled	shook, moved unsteadily	to move shakily	wob-buhld
bulging	swelling, protruding	puffing out	buhl-jing
pssst	hissing sound	a sound indicating air escaping	psst
trooped	marched, walked	to walk in a group	troo-pd
slouched	walked lazily	to move with a lazy posture	sloucht

Poet & Context

PoetClive Lawrence

Era20th century

Clive Lawrence was a poet born in South Africa in 1935. He moved to London at the age of 21 to pursue a career in professional football. His poetry often reflects his experiences and observations of life in rural settings.

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When20th century

WhyThe poem humorously captures a soccer game in a rural Karoo setting, highlighting themes of resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges. It reflects the poet's observations of rural life and the improvisational spirit of the people.

FormFree verse

Themes & More

Themes

resourcefulnessadaptabilityhumorcommunity

Literary devices

imagery: vivid descriptions of the rural setting and gamehumor: light-hearted depiction of unexpected eventspersonification: the ball 'died' with a 'sad pssst'metaphor: 'I burst into flower' to describe sudden movement