Issue #1 Winter 2002
Conditions of Play
by Halvard Johnson
I. Pre-play
--Prepare the ground. The playing field shall be as broad as it is wide.
At its narrowest point it should be no narrower than at its widest point.
From top to bottom, it should measure the same as from bottom to top.
--Remove from the playing ground all obstructions that do not contribute
to, that are not necessary to, that do not advance the play.
--Prepare yourself. Begin training as soon as you are able. Develop skills
you will need in order to play. Shunt all else to one side. Focus.
II. Play
--Begin to play at the beginning, or whenever there is a moment that is
appropriate to your entry upon the field of play. Do not hesitate.
--Use your eyes and ears to maximum effect.
--Move toward the play. Do not wait for the play to come to you.
--Remain silent unless called upon to speak.
--When other players contribute to your play, a nod of the head
is sufficient to thank them.
--When it’s not your turn, wait patiently. Do not despair.
III. Post-play
--Return the field to the condition in which you found it.
--Leave the field. Do not protest or celebrate the outcome of play.
--Return all equipment not your own to the clubhouse.
--Go home and rest. Prepare yourself for another day’s play.©2002 Halvard Johnson
Halvard Johnson has published four collections of poems, all out of print now but archived online at the Contemporary American Poetry Archives. Other online work of his appears at Salt River Review, CrossConnect, Blue Moon Review, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Shampoo, Can We Have Our Ball Back, RealPoetik, and Crania, among others. Visit his web-site or contact him at halvard@earthlink.net. He lives in New York City.