If Winning Was Everything (For Harrison) Poem by Danny Draper

If winning was everything 
We would never improve
from the experience of losing.

We would never celebrate
gradual improvement, growing strength 
And innovation.

We would never know greatness
from perseverance
Sustained over time.
 
We would all be Spartans 
and yet,
they are all extinct.
 
We would never know empathy or humility
or the exquisite but fleeting
euphoria of victory.

We would not have democracy 
or the rule of law
We would not have civilisation.

If winning was everything 
our arrogance would 
grow with contempt,

We in turn would become suspicious
devaluing the achievement
relegating the occasion to the mundane,

And in gradual despondency we would not be 
challenged and with growing disquiet become
dejected by the increasing burden, and lose.

If winning was everything 
a fools paradise would resemble 
a dark and ruined utopia.

If winning was everything 
anarchy would prevail 
in all of nature.

If wining was everything
All the fish in the oceans 
Would be the same size.

If winning was everything 
We would never ever commemorate 
Anzac Day or Rememberance Day.

If winning was everything 
We would never posthumously 
Recognise the fallen.

If winning was everything 
Every game in all sports
Would end in a draw.

If winning was everything
We would never bother
To offer comfort.

Or to offer our sincere commiserations
To our brave and gutsy opponents
Or to ever offer encouragement.

If winning was everything 
All contests would have remained 
Battles to the death.