Notes About The Poem

I have played and coached sports all of my life and am a firm believer in the old adage that: "Sports are a metaphor for life."

Game Over

GAME OVER


He had taught me –
sports as a metaphor-
for life.

The inside fastball was coming -
I knew it!!!
but couldn’t get out of the way.

Damn!!!  It sent me crumbling -
painfully writhing –
stifling a curse.

The pass rush was coming – 
I could feel it!!!
Crushing me as the ball slid from my hand.

I lay face down – painfully aware –
of the mud and grass -
muttering a curse.

The end was coming –
it was inevitable –
life’s time clock running out.

I stood weeping –
as the lights went out –
cursing in the dark.

He had endured – 
honored life’s field –
left it better for his having played.


John G. Lawless
12/16/2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015


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Date: 12/16/2015 7:22:00 PM
John I really like this. Just wondered why you end it with He instead of "I" I do, however, love the thought of that last stanza!
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John Lawless
Date: 12/16/2015 7:41:00 PM
Andrea, it starts with "he" and ends with "he" as a tribute to a mentors "bookend" life. Those things he taught me stayed with me.....and still remain.... even after his passing years ago.
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