Did not understand this at all until I read the poet's explanation. I'm not sure if even a football player would see the meaning clearly. Perhaps, the poet should have written long for the catch in L3
I too am not familiar with the phrase 'going out long', but I think it's this unusual turn of phrase that lends another dimension to the poem and leaves one wondering.
Here is the much-awaited commentary by Barry George for you:
Here is the story behind it. My brother, Phil, and I are close enough in age that when we were growing up, we constantly played sports together - sometimes team sports and sometimes just the two of us. This haiku was inspired by memories of our throwing a football back and forth to each other in the backyard. We would take turns, one being the quarterback and the other being the receiver. In my imagination, it is a late Saturday afternoon in October or November. The dark is setting in, and before long we will be called inside to have dinner. With just enough light left…
I thought about the juxtapose with line 1. 'fall twilight' and 'long' - maybe the shadows.
Did not understand this at all until I read the poet's explanation. I'm not sure if even a football player would see the meaning clearly. Perhaps, the poet should have written long for the catch in L3
Adelaide
It's all about bonds.
Here is the much-awaited commentary by Barry George for you:
Here is the story behind it. My brother, Phil, and I are close enough in age that when we were growing up, we constantly played sports together - sometimes team sports and sometimes just the two of us. This haiku was inspired by memories of our throwing a football back and forth to each other in the backyard. We would take turns, one being the quarterback and the other being the receiver. In my imagination, it is a late Saturday afternoon in October or November. The dark is setting in, and before long we will be called inside to have dinner. With just enough light left…
Intriguing, isn't it? I hadn't been able to get to the bottom of it for years and yet drawn magnetically every time.
I love your responses, keep them coming. Will post the poet's comments in a few days, maybe tomorrow or the day after.
Or, his younger brother will study in another city..🙏