“Reporters Apology” by Melanie McAleer

Joe Maguire

The following poem was written by Melanie McAleer (posted by her son, Joseph Maguire)

REPORTER’S APOLOGY

(after viewing a Senior Womens’ Tennis Tournament)

I was sent on this assignment,
Nothing promised to be duller,
Without the thrill of homicide
Nor a fight for race or color;
I wondered why my editor
Had given me this task,
But being true reporter
I went, and didn’t ask;
After all a Senior Woman
Was a female with a shawl,
And I couldn’t quite envision her
Connecting with a ball;
Now I’m not a chauvinistic male
And I have an open mind,
Still I learned with great
amazement
About the strength of womankind;
The strength of serves and smashes
And a stamina non-quitting,
No sign of brace or bandage
On the hardy who were hitting;
And fearing I’d be challenged
To try out their gentle sport,
I just poised my pen in tribute
And submitted this report.