The plaintive cry of a Kestrel

I’m a despondent little Kestrel
I play Croquet for my team.
The basic trouble being
I play well only when I dream
 
I miss my targets fair and square
(Though sometimes very close).
I’ve attended Ian’s classes,
A very worthy coach.
 
I try so hard to stalk and cast
And even follow through
But when I strike that wretched ball
Even that won’t do
 
Nothing seems to work somehow
Whenever I play a match
My jump shots are erratic
And that’s another catch.
 
The opposition take their chance
And win by hoops galore
And when the game is finished
I hate that final score.
 
I’m sorry for the Kestrels, 
With no league win in their sights;
And so, to help them perhaps next year 
I’ll switch 
And play for Kites
 
​Anon