Becoming an athlete was my dream—
To score a point, to win a game,
To be a member of a team.
5 I pursued the game of baseball;
Took a line drive to the knee.
I pitched the ball with all my might,
The hitter fired it back at me.
9 Thought that I’d attempt some golf;
Positioned my ball upon a tee,
Swung my club to give it a whack!
It appeared to laugh at me.
13 Attended football tryouts;
Heard the players discuss a “sack.”
I wasn’t aware of what that was
‘Til they knocked me flat upon my back.
17 Attempted to play volleyball;
A player sprang up for a spike.
That ball bolted by so fast
It was like a lightning strike.
21 Tried out for gymnastics
To learn tumbles, twists, and flips,
But all I had to demonstrate
Were stumbles, sprains, and trips.
25 When it comes to playing sports
I’m like a fish upon the land.
No bats, no balls, no mitts for me,
Just slip a pen into my hand.
29 I might not be an athlete—
Nor challenger or fighter—
But I can merge the things I love
If I become a sports writer.
Question
What does the author MOST LIKELY mean in line 12?
Responses
A The golf game was funny to the author.The golf game was funny to the author.
B Everyone around was laughing at the bad swing.Everyone around was laughing at the bad swing.
C The ball really was laughing as it flew through the air.The ball really was laughing as it flew through the air.
D The swing was so bad, the author felt mocked by everything around.The swing was so bad, the author felt mocked by everything around.
1 answer
In line 12, the author reflects on their experience attempting to play golf and uses the phrase "It appeared to laugh at me" to express feelings of failure and inadequacy regarding their swing. The most likely interpretation is that the author felt mocked by the outcome of their swing, as if even the ball were laughing at their poor effort.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
D. The swing was so bad, the author felt mocked by everything around.
