A Decade To Remember

The world was a troubled place in the '80's, home to a number of disasters
   From the plight of Iran's hostages to the meltdown of Chernobyl's reactor

But in the world of basketball, the 1980's served to revive the game
   From a decade, the 1970's, where drugs and crime had gone untamed 

There dawned a rivalry, perhaps never again matched, the Celtic's Larry Bird
   'The Great White Hope,' whose hard-scrabble heroics, the fans hearts stirred

In fierce, epic battles with the Lakers' nonpareil, Magic Johnson
   Whose wizardy with the ball and no-look passes quickly became legend

All through the '80's these hardcourt warriors duked it out
   Bird MVP three years in a row, '84 - '86, 'the Greatest Player Ever,' no doubt

With Johnson hot on his trail, the ultimate Team Great, fueling the debate
   Leading the Lakers to the Championship five times, from '80 to '88

While meantime, the lowly Chicago Bulls were cultivating a new player still
   Greater than Bird and Magic, who in the 1990's would rule

The incomparable Michael Jordan, "MJ," as he would come to be known
   Whose soaring dunks and breathtaking heroics eventually put him alone

Atop the throne of basketball majesty and glory
   That's how I remember the '80's, and that ends my story

     
      Entry in 'Remembering the 1980's' Poetry Contest
                     Sponsor: Michelle Faulkner
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gauthier Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 6:23 PM
Congrats on your honorable mention, Gershon. Well penned.
Wolf Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 9:32 PM
Much appreciated, Line … And congrats to you on your Honorable Mention as well! :) gw
Faulkner Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 5:43 PM
Hi Gershon, I learned so much about basketball from this! I really didn't pay attention to sports at all then, but this was a lot of fun to read! Thanks for entering it, and congratulations (so when are YOU going to sponsor a contest?)
Wolf Avatar
November 12, 2018 at 9:31 PM
Hey, I'm really happy to hear that you learned something about the ultimate "city game." It is a great game when played at the highest levels. Best always, Gershon (soup mail.)
Kiser Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 2:17 PM
A great poem, I like how you go from the miseries of the 70's and 80's to basketball; I'd forgotten a lot of those things. Great job, Gershon.
Wolf Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 9:43 PM
Had to do something to rebound from those miseries! :) gw
Rose  Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 12:19 PM
A well composed set of couplets, nice to read Gershon, keep up the good writes,
Wolf Avatar
October 15, 2018 at 12:59 PM
Thank you so much; appreciate the support! Best wishes, Gershon
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace