It's Just A Game

"It's just a game" is often said as though it didn't matter.
But scores are kept for gain or loss
and records made to shatter.
"It's just a game," win, place or show, but it's better being first.
Coming in fourth has no reward
and you're bundled with the worst.
"It's just a game" is a cliche: an insipid, trite remark.
Competitive players should know
that is "whistling in the dark."
"It's just a game" is candid truth, but in actuality
final outcomes make the difference
as a practicality.
"It's just a game" sounds discordant, like a loser's wailing chant.
It smacks of clear denial
providing a false-face slant.
"It's just a game" is obvious but performance is like life.
Whether toppled or triumphant,
the comparisons are rife.