big ticket

* an updated version of a piece I wrote for my favorite baller, Kevin Garnett * ~ intensity ... defined excuses were for gods and gamblers (lesser giants with fairer feuds) HE ... was of a wholly-invested mettle and mind the conscript of a checkered court dauntless defender of glass and lattice and the pride of a kingdom grand and green. chilled steel above warm wood below the thund'rous awe each mightied blow ... adversaries wept for his fervency ability, focus, effort ... at levels unequaled and as yet unseen a vitality and resolve that at times seemed immeasurable expecting the utmost from his confreres and allies yet far MORE from himself ... of rare devotion to his cause and kind a jaded gypsy who had found his home and heart - the hallowed ground worthy of his marrow and blood. one honored hub a stronghold land worth ev'ry wound each knuckled hand ... he was clad in shining-yet-simple armor - béni avec cinq - that he wore with a generation's honor and wielded a sword of sinews and strength noble and knightly, but of ferocious intent with a dignity, dark ... outspoken mindful, selfless ... monstrous and mad the grace and guile of a mongoose with the hiss of a snake ... the childish charm of a leprechaun with the wild howl of a wolf ... and a heritage that coursed his veins, veridian. those demons, green that spurred his dance brought each his foes naught e'er a chance ... his fortress now stands empty but the ramparts still tremble with his ire the ether within those sacred walls yet echos his roar and strains to press a cheek all for the sake of his standard and spoils and thus, now - yes, and none too soon those rafters roil with a banner his own and a kingdom, blessed, bows in reverence for his consummation and creed and the green blood that still stains his flesh and those proud parquet floors … one day that land's bright sun may set still, flames will burn the name ... Garnett thank you, KG! Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden, September 2, 2020