Soccer, Karoo Style by Clive Lawrence — Analysis & Translation

Original Poem

Soccer, Karoo Style By Clive Lawrence We had to shoo a fat sow, three piglets and a family of chickens off the pitch, then carry a somnambulant great dane from the penalty spot before the game could begin. Shortly after half-time our goalkeeper hoofed the ball skyward and I burst into flower and wobbled to earth Both captains tried to shove the bulging rubber back into its pod, but, with a sad pssst, it died. I thought that was the end of the game, but someone quickly collected old socks and underpants and stuffed them inside the leather casing, and he game went on, to end in a goalless draw. The teams trooped off the pitch and the great dane, with a deep sigh, slouched towards the penalty spot.

Translation (English)

We had to move a fat pig, three small pigs and a group of chickens off the field, then carry a very sleepy big dog from the penalty spot before the game could start. Shortly after the break our goalkeeper kicked the ball high and I bloomed and wobbled to the ground. Both team leaders tried to push the swollen ball back into its shape, but, with a sad hiss, it deflated. I thought that was the end of the game, but someone quickly gathered old socks and underwear and stuffed them inside the leather cover, and the game continued, ending in a scoreless tie. The teams walked off the field and the big dog, with a deep sigh, walked slowly towards the penalty spot.

About the Poet

Clive Lawrence (20th century)

Clive Lawrence was a poet born in South Africa in 1935. He moved to London at the age of 21 to pursue a career in professional football. His poetry often reflects his experiences and observations of life in rural settings.

Historical Context

Literary Form: Free verse
When Written: 20th century
Background: The poem humorously captures a soccer game in a rural Karoo setting, highlighting themes of resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges. It reflects the poet's observations of rural life and the improvisational spirit of the people.

Sources: https://www.scribd.com/presentation/756625145/2-Soccer-Karoo-Style-by-Clive-Lawrance-Edit, https://literarytourism.co.za/clive-lawrence/, https://studyx.ai/questions/4lj6h8z/analyze-the-poem-soccer-karoo-style-we-had-to-shoo-a-fat-sow-three-piglets-and-a-family

Detailed Explanation

The poem 'Soccer, Karoo Style' by Clive Lawrence humorously depicts a soccer game in a rural setting in the Karoo region. The game begins with the players having to clear animals from the field, emphasizing the rustic and improvised nature of the setting. The poem captures the whimsical and unexpected challenges faced during the game, such as the ball bursting and being repaired with old clothing. This reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of the players. The imagery of animals and the casual, almost chaotic atmosphere highlight the unique charm of playing soccer in such an environment. The poem ends with the great dane returning to the penalty spot, suggesting a return to normalcy after the game. The poem uses vivid imagery and humor to convey themes of improvisation, community, and the joy of playing despite obstacles.

Themes

Literary Devices

Word Dictionary

Word	Meaning	Translation	Transliteration
somnambulant	sleepy, drowsy	very sleepy or appearing to be sleepwalking	som-nam-byoo-luhnt
hoofed	kicked	to kick hard	hoo-fd
wobbled	shook, moved unsteadily	to move shakily	wob-buhld
bulging	swelling, protruding	puffing out	buhl-jing
pssst	hissing sound	a sound indicating air escaping	psst
trooped	marched, walked	to walk in a group	troo-pd
slouched	walked lazily	to move with a lazy posture	sloucht

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