Mr. Meek Plays Polo

"Mr. Meek Plays Polo" by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Oliver Meek, an unassuming bookkeeper who finds himself caught in a series of surreal events involving space, eccentric characters, and an unusual game of polo. The narrative explores themes of identity, the unpredictable nature of life in space, and the quest for meaning in a chaotic universe. In this engaging tale, Meek is reluctantly thrust into a space polo match that carries the weight of a longstanding feud between rival factions known as the "ring rats." As he navigates the chaos of the game, Meek must contend with the absurdity of his situation, especially as he becomes the unwitting coach of a team filled with colorful characters. The narrative unfolds with moments of humor, tension, and unexpected revelations, particularly concerning the mysterious "educated bugs" that inhabit the rock where Meek discovers he can study mathematical equations through games the bugs play. Ultimately, Meek's journey becomes one of self-discovery, as he transforms from a meek bookkeeper into an unexpected hero, showcasing the unpredictability of life and the hidden depths within all individuals. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Clifford Donald Simak was an American science fiction writer. He won three Hugo Awards and one Nebula Award. The Science Fiction Writers of America made him its third SFWA Grand Master, and the Horror Writers Association made him one of three inaugural winners of the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement. He is associated with the pastoral science fiction subgenre.