Rod Laver Poem by Francis Duggan

He won all four grand slam tennis championships in the one year twice
Among the top ten all time great tennis players by many a perennial choice
The Rockhampton Rocket Rod Laver of tennis a true great
In tennis his own slice of history for himself he did create
Among the all time greats of male tennis players he is one who does rate
His is a name for the tennis fans for to celebrate
The Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne in honor of his name
His own mortal body will not outlive his fame
A down to earth fellow despite his renown
In his words he never puts anyone down
One of the World's great tennis players in his physical prime
But his aging body showing the wear of time
An all time great tennis player though time has become his foe
His best days in life many decades ago.