Kit Kelen #1102 - together we will invent a game

1102

together we will invent a game

the codgers’ challenge

for Dr Phil Olgers, on his sixtieth

it involves ping pong balls

and timber I think

well maybe not

or not in that order

anyway, things roll

or slide

or some combination

some kind of pyramid’s a part

and there could be strings

though not so much for the music

the players are the moving parts

and must propel the thing

by wrist action

or a throw of some kind

the game involves numbers, so counting

a system to score

but nothing cryptic like Sudoku

fingers are allowed

you impart spin with them as well

warms them in pockets between goes

I’d like the game to have bounce

there ought to be some rhythm involved

and there should be several phases

 – a turn consisting of turns

nothing mechanical

or electronic

we could have bells and whistles

but that would be to bauble it

no – it must be Ockham’s razor

in game form

a clean and concise thing

but one bell might fit in

for instance to ring when you win

why not?

we have the time to do it

we have the space to make

we know the trades and where they live

this is a thing we can afford

merely requires application of nous

our game balances

concentration and conversation

it’s codgernomous as well

lengthens life and sharpens wits

(if that’s even possible)

the game involves skill

but largely luck

I’m convinced there’s something has to fall

but nudgingly

and I don’t know what

and not with a mighty bang

can you see the thing taking shape

a hybrid yes, but with integrity

and purpose –

a focus unfocus soirée stretch
settles the mind for the night

we have to dream the thing to make

this way the game will re-invent us

once it exists it will always have been

and we – the very first champions