John Saunders
This Morning I Met Seamus Heaney at Tullamore Train Station
In this whimsical and poignant poem, John Saunders imagines an encounter with the legendary poet Seamus Heaney, who has taken on the unlikely role of station master at Tullamore Train Station. As Heaney punches the speaker’s ticket, they engage in a casual, yet profound conversation about poetry, success, and the inevitable shadow of failure. Quoting lines that sound more like Bob Dylan than his own, Heaney blurs the line between poetic giants, finding common ground in their shared wisdom. As the slow train approaches, they stand side by side, bathed in the morning sun, savoring a moment of quiet camaraderie. This Morning I Met Seamus Heaney at Tullamore Train Station is a tribute to the power of poetry, conversation, and the unexpected connections that enrich our lives.
In this introspective poem, John Saunders explores the intricacies of basketball as a metaphor for life’s struggles and lessons. Recalling the familiar moves of the game--sidesteps, defensive chaos, and the delicate art of blocking without contact--Saunders delves into the strategy, stamina, and skill that define both sports and personal journeys. The rhythm of the ball on the wooden floor mirrors the rhythm of life's ups and downs, where every steal and score represents a fleeting victory or a lesson learned. As he reflects on past games, both won and lost, Saunders questions the true meaning of success and failure. The Game is a poignant meditation on the passage of time, the choices we make, and the unending quest to find purpose in a world where rules are broken and the outcome is never certain.