THE CRICKET

The play ground resembles earth.
The shape of the earth when at School was egg.
There is a play ground in England, name Oval.
Here an innings may end,
at naught, five six or hundred.
In each ball an air of uncertainty looms.
Even at silly point,
an eagle eyed man waits.
As a shadow one will stand
always behind you.
Two angels waiting eagerly at the sides
to record the do’s and don’ts.
A drizzle is more than enough
to spoil the party.
Even a Goliath’s off bail can be displaced
by an unassuming slower ball.
Upsetting the players and the crowd,
the channels may chant,
newspapers with in prints.
Today’s undefeated
must quit tomorrow.
Above all, the last word
comes from the the Third Umpire
who sits on the top.

B.SHIHAB