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From First Ball To World Cup

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Image result for my first soccer ball

I remember the first time I saw a ball,

Those exquisite black and white pentagons ...
     The geometric excellence that intimated such mystery and excitement ...
I HAD to have one, and started saving my money that very day.
     I was only eight years old, and football wasn't big in the U.S.,

But I still wanted that amazing ball ...
     After a few weeks of saving and doing extra chores,
I finally held my own ball in my hands,
     Turning those five-sided panels over-and-over,

Smelling that glorious leather ... I was in kid heaven!
     When I took it to school in my backpack my friends went crazy,
All having to hold it and smell it, all filled with the same energy as I,
     My gut tumbling in anticipation of what amazing things might happen!

My little town had no budget for American "football" -
     With all its pads and expensive equipment, but we did have "soccer" teams,
And I joined as soon as I could, for the sake of that amazing ball!
     We didn't get to see the World Cup back then ...

The 60's and 70's being very limited as far as TV sports,
     But we all followed it in the magazines and papers,
And when, years later, we finally got to WATCH the World Cup on television,
     It was the substantiation of years spent loving a game

That not many people even TALKED about in the United States ...
     A game that my friends and family and little town had loved for years,
Now birthed to fruition and delicious reality right in front of our eyes!
     My friends from other parts of the country had heroes -

Heroes like Bart Starr and Bill Russell and Micky Mantle, et al,
     But MY hero was PELE', though many here didn't even know his name!
When TV brought the World Cup to kids like me, the world became bigger,
     More exciting, and more joyous, all because of that wondrous ball ...

So many years before!




~ 3rd Place ~  in the "2018 World Cup" Poetry Contest, Mark Toney, Sponsor & Judge.

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John Watt

Date: 8/29/2020 10:26:00 PM

Though I never played, I had a similar trajectory as you. The U.S. had its big four of major league sports and soccer/football couldn't ever seem to break into the mainstream. Then came Pele and his charisma and pedigree and many eyes were opened, then the US hosted the World Cup in 1994 and the US women won it all on the world stage in 1999. My 'awakening' came while I was in Scotland in 1990 and England, Ireland, and Scotland all made it in the final 32. I was hooked! Great write! ~ John

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 8/30/2020 9:10:00 AM

Thank you, my friend, especially for sharing ... there are so many parallels between us, and I so hope we get to meet one of these days - I look forward to that time and sharing stories. Great stuff! Blessings, Bud!

James Fraser

Date: 7/20/2018 5:54:00 PM

A fine read Gregory, it was like a trip down memory lane. Loved the feel of the words, so so close to home that many a Football fan will receive. Big congrats on your so well deserved placing in Mark's World Cup contest = :) roll on the next ;) James.....

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:09:00 PM

What a wonderful comment, James, and I am so thankful for your kind words, and pleased you enjoyed my write! Blessings, friend! :-)

Line Gauthier

Date: 7/20/2018 9:36:00 AM

Bravo, Gregory. What a moving and exciting write with such personal ink. It's a FAVE for me. Bravo for your most deserved podium finish.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:08:00 PM

That's very sweet of you, Line, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed my poem! Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/19/2018 2:14:00 AM

A lovely read Greg, and now every country in the world has a team. Congratulations

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:07:00 PM

Indeed they do, Tom, thank you so much - I'm pleased you liked my poem! :-)

Eve Roper

Date: 7/17/2018 1:39:00 PM

Congratulations on your great well written win, Greg. Hugs Eve

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:06:00 PM

Many kind thanks to you, Eve! :-) <3

Susan Gentry

Date: 7/17/2018 1:33:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. :)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:06:00 PM

Thank you, Susan! :-)

Roy Pett

Date: 7/17/2018 10:40:00 AM

Congratulations on your well deserved win Gregory, just hit the post with your beautifully written poem of past memories of the beautiful game, a joy to read. :))

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:06:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Roy, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, my friend! :-)

Carole Duet

Date: 7/16/2018 10:52:00 PM

Well, I'm not into sports but I do enjoy soccer. It's so fast and furious and your poem honors it so well from the point of view of a little boy enamored by the iconic ball.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:05:00 PM

That's very sweet of you, Carole, and I so appreciate the wonderful comments! Blessings! :-) <3

Mark Toney

Date: 7/16/2018 9:08:00 PM

Gregory, congratulations for making the contest a success! Your poem had a nice youthful energy, which took me back to my childhood. The only difference is there wasn't much soccer in my neck of the woods. Oh well...

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/20/2018 7:05:00 PM

I'm very pleased to have taken part, Mark, and thank you so much for my high placement - I am humbles and honored to be on a list with such wonderful poets! Blessings! :-)