Notes About The Poem

Fallen

My idol raced into the history books with record shattering feats,

 but fell from dizzying heights, stripped of honours and respect.

     I halted in my tracks, numb, disappointed and betrayed!

--------------------------
Number of words = 30
Ben Johnson was a Jamaican-born Canadian sprinter who became the 
world record holder for the 100 metres in the 1988 Olympics.
He was stripped of all honours when he was caught using illegal drugs.
-------------------------------------
Paul Callus ~ 1st December 2015
Contest: Fallen (25-30 words)
Sponsor: Nette Onclaud
Placed 4th
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Makama Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 4:00 AM
lines with curves of wisdom and landscapes of awe! My mind is in a park of joy to how I manage selecting this page. Keep on writing dear poet and as always, a wonderful 7 without a doubt!
Callus Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 4:36 AM
Thank you Funom for the awesome, encouraging feedback...and the high rating! ~ Wishing you all the best. // paul
Hynson Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 6:31 PM
I remember it well, and the tragedy. So nicely done and congratulations from a new member.
Callus Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Thank you for reading and commenting, Johnnie. Glad you enjoyed. Pleased to meet you...will be paying your posts a visit. All the best. // paul
Thomas Avatar
December 8, 2015 at 6:37 AM
It's always disappointing when the people we looked up to turn out to be fakes or cheaters. Its a well written, poem. :)
Callus Avatar
December 8, 2015 at 1:56 PM
So true, Angie! I think the worst are those friends who let us down. Thank you or stopping by; a welcome visit:) ~ Regards // paul
Puddifoot Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 8:33 PM
pairs well with jan's poem of another fallen sporting hero - congrats on your deserved win!
Callus Avatar
December 6, 2015 at 4:47 AM
Thank you Charlotte:) Yes, both Jan and I looked to athletes for inspiration, though for different reasons. ~ Have a lovely day:) // paul
Mohn Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:06 PM
I remember this well Paul...this was one of the first big drug scandals in sports that I can remember...nicely done, congrats
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:55 PM
Yes, David...that is why it made all the headlines! Such a pity, for in reality he had big talent! Thank you for stopping by. ~ Regards // paul
Gasun Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 9:04 AM
Such a dazzling verse with the inspiration of the theme my dear friend, Paul. Thank you so much for sharing and warm Congrats on your win! Hugs and cheers! love lots, Leonora
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:53 PM
Such a pleasure to have you visiting with your lively flair and warm comments, Leonora:) Thank you for lighting up my page! warm regards and hugs...paul
A. Sharma Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 9:40 PM
Wonderful verse n win Paul.. big congrats!
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:42 PM
Thank you, Upma! I sensed you were here...the shining light gave you away:) ~ Regards // paul
A  Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 8:12 PM
Hi Paul, Congrats on your wonderful win. SKAT
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:39 PM
Thank you, Skat...will be paying you a visit soon:) // paul
Dietrich Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 7:10 PM
great way to deal with the topic by using a fallen sports hero Paul. BIG congrats for your win.
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:19 PM
Thank you Andrea; I read most of the winning entries and there are some pretty good and unique ones!! Regards // paul
Carmack Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 6:41 PM
I remember him. Congrats on your placement.
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:24 PM
Thank you for stopping by with congrats, Rob. All the best. // paul
Muideen Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 4:45 PM
A well written piece. Congratulations on your placement.........A.M.
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:31 PM
Thank you Afolabi. Always a pleasure to have you visiting! Regards // paul
Scars Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 4:38 PM
I'm back to say congrats again! Well deserved win Paul!! -lu *Smiles*
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 4:40 PM
Thank you for a repeat visit, Laura, and for the wishes and congrats:) Regards // paul
Allison Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 4:27 PM
Dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 8:44 AM
Thank you Jan, both for the congrats and the comments you posted down below:) I'm out breath...panting, trying to catch up! Hugs // paul
Wigley Avatar
December 3, 2015 at 11:58 PM
Yes, Paul, I think that this was the moment when the downward spiral began with aplummeting parade of famous names. Along with you, I think that the whole world was shocked. Good write, goo luck. Regards, Viv
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:17 PM
Hi Viv (and CayCay)!! Talk of cheating in sport was not new then, but Ben's case made big news, following hard on his huge success and world records. Now we take these news for granted (too many fresh cases being reported), and that is why so many have lost trust and joy in sport. ~ Regards // paul
Godwin Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 3:46 AM
I can't resist a comment. An event from 1988 had us shocked, a similar event in 2015, would not. I liked the world better when we were shockable ... CayCay
Dunn Avatar
December 3, 2015 at 6:08 PM
Dear Paul You never stop amazing me my friend with your talents, you have a way of showing so many different types of emotions and express them so well, this is a great entery for the contest, I'll cross my fingers for you my friend, enjoyed the read tonight, and you have a wonderful weekend to come, always your good friend, cheri
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 5:00 PM
Thank you for your generous comments, Cherl:) So pleased that you enjoyed. Your faith in it has not gone to waste...it did emerge on the winning side:) Have a lovely weekend. // paul
Sathasivam Avatar
December 3, 2015 at 4:55 AM
Excellent. Lovely poem. Enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing it. Best of luck in the contest.
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 4:48 PM
So glad you enjoyed it, Ravi. Thank you for stopping by with lovely comments. All the best. // paul
Scars Avatar
December 2, 2015 at 3:02 PM
Wonderful poem, gl in the contest! :)-lu *smiles*
Y. Avatar
December 2, 2015 at 8:33 AM
Paul, I vaguely remember the story. I enjoyed reading your well written informative write. Good job. Best of luck in the contest:-) Alexis
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 4:27 PM
Thank you for reading and commenting, Alexis:) Your wishes brought me luck:) // paul
Hunjeri Avatar
December 2, 2015 at 6:00 AM
So sad. I wish they would give athletes second chances. I don't know...
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 4:17 PM
Hi Njeri, lovely to have you visiting:) They do give them a second chance, but, like Ben Johnson, they become repeat offenders:( That is the worst part of it. ~ Regards // paul
Vaso Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 9:34 PM
Hi Paul, when he won he was a GREAT Canadian, when he was caught they said "Damn Jamaican" LOL
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 3:58 PM
That's human nature, Arthur! We twist things depending on where the wind is blowing from! Regards // paul
Laurie Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 8:22 PM
Hello Paul... cheating through drugs is bad enough, but what effect does it have in later life. Of course, the athletes have minders urging them to reach greater heights and forget that they are humans also - Lindsay
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 4:00 PM
Yes, negative belated health effects lie in waiting, Lindsay. But the lure of fame and money is hard to resist! // paul
La France Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 7:19 PM
Paul, I recall that terrible time in 1988, the whole country was disappointed. Great write and best of luck in the contest ~
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 3:43 PM
It was a big let-down, Constance! These things occur frequently; Lance Armstrong is another recent idol who let many down...after years of cheating, denying and lying! ~ Regards // paul
Lindley Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 6:54 PM
A shame that he felt the need to cheat to win. Great poem my friend. And he fell mightily! A7
Callus Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 3:38 PM
It is a shame, Robert, but financial gain combined with a hunger for fame are often hard to resist! ~ Thank you and regards, my friend. // paul
Allison Avatar
December 1, 2015 at 6:25 PM
How our idols fall from grace - such a sad scene and we have seen it all too often in sports:-( hugs jan xx
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