Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Messi

Argentina's son, a lineage to immigrants
shaped by boyhood aspirations 
diminutive left foot striker
taunted "dwarf" in childhood 
his growth hormone deficiency 
                    overcome through meds and workouts
                    a counter to foes physically imposing

Messi's daily slog of skills
agility and balance
slow grind of mastery to mesh the skills to speed

on the football field, Messi dribbles through opponents 
pivots round defenders, takes an opposite direction
accelerates
de-accelerates
takes stock of field positions 
awareness like a lordly hawk that calculates its prey

a kick triggered whittles through the air 
the ball's stinging centre, 
                flight controlled
at a goal keeper spiralling to the ground

this FIFA World Cup champion
devout in faith
celebrates goals by a gaze upward
a pointed hand to the heavens
another field of his embracing
790 - Messi's career goals for Barcelona clubs and
                                                     Argentinean glory
football awards that roll on like credits on a movie screen

on field moves that burrow into memory
             through the entanglement of limbs
Messi's footwork, like a dancer's gift
his sprints to fill the field with unheeding power
midst the bulging roar of fans
a homage to glorify the footballer
                        before he fades 
                                          to legend



Poem written January 4, 2023

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Kabutha Paul Hempstone April 16, 2023 at 8:36 PM The way you portray Messi's perseverance and determination to overcome his physical challenges and achieve greatness through his passion for football is truly inspiring and compelling. Brian Sambourne April 17, 2023 at 6:07 AM Thank you Kabutha. Messi is truly remarkable in his ability and passion. He has had an illustrious career, + elevated football to a grand level. Cheers Brian

Aysha Nuwas February 21, 2023 at 8:43 PM A great tribute to a great player! Brian Sambourne February 21, 2023 at 9:00 PM Thank you Sham most appreciative of your thoughtful appraisal. Be well. Brian

Sara Kendrick January 19, 2023 at 2:57 AM Definitely in motion. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara Brian Sambourne January 19, 2023 at 6:08 AM Thank you, Sara, for your vote of confidence. Most appreciative of your affirming notes. Look after yourself dear lady. Stay well. Brian

Andrea Dietrich January 9, 2023 at 9:01 AM Yes, he sure is popular!!! Before messi, I only knew one other name of a famous soccer player, and already it's not even coming to my mind!! Brian Sambourne January 9, 2023 at 9:05 AM Hi Andrea, thanks for your stop by + message. I believe that you are referring to Maradona as the other soccer player as (if I recall) you wrote a tribute poem to him. Best wishes, Brian

Charles Messina January 8, 2023 at 8:29 AM Great write, Brian. I just watched Messi for the first time (lol) I had Argentina in a soccer pool...and I won! He is a legend. Best wishes in the contest, my friend. Charlie Brian Sambourne January 8, 2023 at 7:26 PM Greetings Charles, Congratulations on your soccer pool win! Excellent news for the New Year. So true - Messi the legend, or soccer icon for the ages. Thank you for your good wishes. Be well. Brian

Gary Radice January 7, 2023 at 3:27 AM Every time I watch him I am amazed by his centre of gravity and how he manages to pull off the moves he does. I've always followed Messi - The only time I wanted him to lose, he did..with Barcelona at Anfield when we came back from 3 0 down to win the second leg 4 0. He and Maradona are the tops in my book. Great tribute Brian. Cheers - Gary Brian Sambourne January 7, 2023 at 6:56 AM Hello Gary, You're quite right- Messi has a solid centre of gravity. He pivots on a coin. Agility that is certainly praise worthy. I am glad he grabbed his FiFA gold. Thank you for the stop by + insights. Be well. Brian

David Kavanagh January 4, 2023 at 2:18 PM Brilliant tribute to perhaps the greatest soccer player ever, I have enjoyed so much watching his career unfold with Barcelona, still in disbelief at the magician he was/still is, you have portrayed him to a tee here Brian, an absolute naturally gifted player but had to put in the hard work to achieve the pinnacle of excellence, top poem, nothing messy about Messi, cheers David David Kavanagh January 4, 2023 at 2:33 PM Right back at you Brian, all the best in contest too! Brian Sambourne January 4, 2023 at 2:24 PM Thank you David, for your valued assessment of my tribute to Messi - an absolutely brilliant soccer player. Your comment about being FIFA absorbed (as I was) gave me all the nudge I needed to write the piece. I am indebted to you. Be well. Best wishes for 2023 + beyond. Brian