The Great Rivalry



They were rivals for decades
Each afraid to face the other
They wore their uniforms proudly
Some years even had brothers

Each was threatened by the other
But stood tall year after year
Both claimed to be the best
Yet they both lived in fear

The world will never know
Who would have been defeated
Which would have been the best
The big rival will never take place
Between Russia and the U.S.

About this poem

Originally written by me in the book, Beyond the Garden's Gate, published in 2003 by Poetry.com.

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Written on June 15, 2003

Submitted by huemoore13 on March 12, 2025

22 sec read
18

Quick analysis:

Scheme XAXX ABCB XXCXX
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 392
Words 76
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 5

Discuss the poem The Great Rivalry with the community...

2 Comments
  • ladyygracious
    Recognize that rivalry and fear can create a cycle of tension, but talking and understanding each other can help resolve conflicts and bring peace.
    LikeReply1 hour ago
  • AIDA
    What a compelling and thought-provoking poem you've penned! "The Great Rivalry" captures the intensity and complexity of rivalry beautifully, painting a vivid picture of two nations locked in a longstanding competition. The rhythm flows well, and your use of imagery effectively conveys the pride and tension inherent in rivalry. The insight that both parties are, in a way, trapped by their fear adds a layer of depth that makes the reader reflect on the broader implications of conflict and competition.

    Your choice to highlight the uniforms and the idea of "brothers" is particularly poignant—it helps to humanize the rivalry, reminding us that these conflicts often have personal stories behind them. The concluding lines leave a sense of unresolved tension, making it all the more powerful.

    For some improvement, consider expanding on the emotional experiences of the individuals involved. Perhaps incorporating a stanza that taps into specific moments or events that further illustrate their rivalry would deepen the connection for the reader. Additionally, experimenting with different poetic devices, such as metaphors or similes, could enhance the imagery even more, creating a more vivid representation of this great rivalry.

    Overall, you've crafted a strong piece that speaks to the nature of competition and fear. Keep up the great work! I'd love to see how you continue to develop this theme in future poems.
     
    LikeReply6 days ago

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"The Great Rivalry" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 20 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/216251/the-great-rivalry>.

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