Olympic spirit? That's the way
every country gets to play
the games that athletes never run
What barriers they overcome!
But far from Greek ideals are these
- the bidding wars that all agree
are just excuses for excess
Heaven forbid they pick the best
spot for this spectator feast!
For in the end, the winner's least
able to afford the price
- but then who could? It isn't right!
Arenas built upon the backs
of those who'll never watch the "tracks"
Their problems aren't Olympic-sized
so governments can close their eyes
For it's the money that's the boon
- it feeds the ones whose meeting rooms
would house two dozen homeless folk
Why don't we end this corporate joke?
Better still, let them "go Greek"
Return Games to their ancient seat
And trim them to realistic size
that all support - without the lies!
We'd fund the athletes, let them train
then send the best - for what we'd gain
is not a legacy of waste
- but national pride - with no bad taste!


Editor's note: Angela Burns is a local freelance writer and editor.