The only event that requires a modicum of athleticism, ‘Poetry in Motion’ is always a hot ticket item. Rules are simple: judges select (always oddly, sometimes perversely) a sport and opponent for the participating poet. While in the throes of competition, the poet is then required to recite one of his/her poems. Points are given for fluidity of words matching movement, as well as not passing out.
Who can forget the 1960 spectacle of Alan Ginsburg shouting his ‘Howl!’ while locked in a brutal game of table tennis against Mamie Eisenhower? And why didn’t anyone think to film the beautifully tortured event that occurred four years later, when the 82-year-old Carl Sandburg got into the boxing ring with Mohammad Ali and recited a ‘A Father to His Son’ between bolo punches and right jabs?
The gold medal today went to Maya Angelou, for her stunning recitation of ‘Phenomenal Woman,’ while synchronize-diving with Justin Bieber. The judges agreed that Mr. Bieber’s belly flops added a compelling, yet wistful percussion to the booming voice of Ms. Angelou echoing through the aquatic center.