Between Assassinations By Alan R. Shapiro - Giggle Poems

Original Poem：

Old court. Old chain net hanging in frayed links from the rim,
the metal blackboard dented, darker where the ball
for over thirty years has kissed it, the blacktop buckling,
the white lines nearly worn away. Old common ground
where none of the black men warming up before the basket
will answer or even look in my direction when I ask
if I can run too, the chill a mutual understanding,
one of the last we share, letting me join them here,
if nowhere else, by not letting me forget I don’t belong.
Old court. Old courtesy, handshake, exchange of names,
in the early days of bussing, between assassinations,
before our quaint welcoming of them had come to seem,
even to ourselves, the haughty overflow of wealth
so thoroughly our own we didn’t need to see it.
Old beautiful delusion in those courtly gestures
that everything now beyond our wanting just to play
was out of bounds, and we were free between the white lines
of whatever we assumed we each of us assumed.
Old court, old dream dreamed by the weave, the trap,
the backdoor pass. Old fluid legacy, among the others,
that conjures even now within our bodies and between them
such a useless, such an intimate forgetting, as in the moment
when you get a step on your defender and can tell
exactly by how another man comes at you
where your own man is and, without looking, lob the ball
up in the air so perfectly as he arrives that
in a single motion he can catch and finger roll it in.
Old court. Old dwindling cease fire, with no hope of peace,
that we silently turn away from when the game is over,
hurrying back (as if believing contact meant contagion)
to our separate tribes, to the cleansing fires of what,
despite ourselves, we momentarily forgot:
old lore, old news, old burning certitudes we can’t
stoke high or hot enough, yet won’t stop ever stoking
until whatever it is we think we are anneals
and toughens into an impenetrable shield.

Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem

This poem paints a vivid picture of an old basketball court that serves as a powerful symbol of history, community, and racial tension. The "old court" is more than just a physical place; it represents a shared space laden with memories, struggles, and complex social dynamics. The imagery of the worn chain net, dented blackboard, and fading white lines evokes a sense of time passing and the endurance of this space despite neglect and change.

The poem explores themes of belonging and exclusion, particularly through the speaker’s experience of being ignored by the black men warming up to play. This moment reflects the unspoken boundaries and divisions that persist even in shared spaces. The "chill" described is a mutual understanding—a recognition of difference and separation that remains despite the common love of the game.

The poem also touches on the historical context of racial segregation and social upheaval, referencing the era of bussing (forced school integration) and political violence ("between assassinations"). The "old courtesy" and handshake symbolize a fragile civility that masks deeper inequalities and tensions.

Basketball itself is portrayed as a "dream" and "legacy", a fluid and intimate dance of skill and teamwork that temporarily transcends social divisions. The detailed description of a perfectly executed play highlights moments of connection and unspoken communication between players.

Yet, this peace is fragile—a "dwindling cease fire"—as the players return to their separate "tribes" after the game, suggesting that the divisions outside the court remain unresolved. The poem ends with a reflection on the persistent certitudes and identities that people carry, which act as both protection and barrier.

Background and Author Introduction

This poem was written by a contemporary poet deeply engaged with themes of race, identity, and social justice. The author often uses sports, particularly basketball, as a metaphor for broader societal issues, reflecting on how shared activities can both unite and divide communities.

The poem’s setting and references to bussing and assassinations place it in the context of the civil rights era in the United States, a time of significant racial tension and transformation. The poet’s work often draws on personal experience and historical memory to explore how these forces shape individual and collective identity.

Reflections and Insights

Reading this poem invites us to reflect on how public spaces and shared activities can reveal underlying social dynamics. It challenges us to consider who feels welcome and who is excluded in our communities, and how historical injustices continue to shape present realities.

The poem also celebrates the beauty and complexity of human connection, especially through sports, where unspoken communication and teamwork create moments of unity. However, it does not shy away from the painful realities of division and exclusion, reminding us that true inclusion requires more than shared space—it requires understanding and change.

Educational Value and Learning Points

For students and children, this poem offers several important lessons:

• Historical Awareness: It introduces the context of racial segregation, bussing, and civil rights struggles in a way that connects history to everyday life.
• Social Understanding: The poem encourages empathy by portraying the complexities of belonging and exclusion.
• Literary Skills: Students can learn about imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, especially how a physical place (the basketball court) can represent larger social themes.
• Critical Thinking: The poem invites discussion about identity, community, and the limits of civility in divided societies.
• Communication: The depiction of teamwork and nonverbal cues on the court highlights the importance of cooperation and trust.

Practical Applications in Life and Learning

• In School: Teachers can use this poem to discuss civil rights history, social justice, and the power of sports as a cultural bridge.
• In Sports: Coaches can use the poem to teach about teamwork, respect, and the social dynamics that affect players on and off the court.
• In Community: The poem can inspire conversations about inclusion, mutual respect, and how to create welcoming environments.
• In Personal Growth: Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences of belonging and exclusion and to consider how they can foster understanding.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What does the old basketball court symbolize in the poem?
2. How do the players react when the speaker asks to join the game, and what does this reaction represent?
3. What historical events or periods does the poem reference?
4. Describe the significance of the "old courtesy" and handshake mentioned in the poem.
5. How does the poem portray the relationship between the game of basketball and social divisions?
6. What does the phrase "dwindling cease fire" suggest about the interactions between the players?
7. How does the poem use imagery to convey the passage of time and the history of the court?
8. What lessons about community and identity can readers learn from this poem?

Answers to Comprehension Questions

1. The old basketball court symbolizes a shared space rich with history, memory, and social tension; it represents both community and exclusion.
2. The players do not respond or look at the speaker, showing a silent exclusion that reflects racial and social boundaries.
3. The poem references the era of bussing, civil rights struggles, and political violence such as assassinations.
4. The "old courtesy" and handshake symbolize a fragile civility and polite interaction that masks deeper social inequalities.
5. Basketball is shown as a momentary escape from social divisions, where players connect through teamwork, but these divisions return once the game ends.
6. The phrase "dwindling cease fire" suggests a temporary truce during the game that does not last afterward, highlighting ongoing conflict or separation.
7. The poem uses images like the worn chain net, dented blackboard, and faded lines to show the passage of time and the court’s long history.
8. Readers can learn about the complexities of belonging, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of overcoming social divisions.

This poem offers a rich, multi-layered exploration of history, race, and community through the lens of a basketball court, making it a valuable resource for education and reflection.