Jack Ellison Poet Rhyme

My Brush With An Icon

Jackie Robinson and I go way way back
To the spring of nineteen forty-six
A Montreal ballpark on a April afternoon
The day the world was transfixed

The colour barrier that existed in baseball
Was about to come crashing down
After many decades of ugly discrimination
Jackie would become renowned

It would take a special kind of individual
To withstand all the slurs and abuse
Young Jackie knew what he'd have to endure
But it was not his nature to refuse

Having a strong and tenacious personality
Not known for giving up a fight
Jackie settled in for a long tough struggle
On which he had long set his sights

It's a time in history I'll always hold dear
That momentous day back then
Forever after ingrained in my psyche
I witnessed this champion of men!


My Dad and I were late arriving at the ballpark. 
When we arrived, it was the bottom of the first. 
As we entered from the passage way to the 
left field bleachers, the crowd was cheering wildly! 
I looked to my right and believe it or not 
Jackie Robinson was stealing home!!!
This image is ingrained in my memory!

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R J. Elless April 30, 2023 at 9:51 AM That is Something Special. A memory of You and your Dad. Jackie stealing the home plate. Fine Poem. Thank you, Jack, for sharing. Have A Great Day. Jack Ellison April 30, 2023 at 10:06 AM It was a very special memory that will stay with me till my very last breath!!! Thank you R.E.

Tom Cunningham April 30, 2023 at 4:06 AM An amazing memory Jack, it's taken a while but eventually racism in sport and everywhere will be stamped out. Tom Jack Ellison April 30, 2023 at 5:53 AM The image of this icon is ingrained in my memory all these years later! I can still recall the vivid image in my mind!!!!!