Once Were Kings

ONCE WERE KINGS Pigskin sails past outstretched arms Another inch perhaps? Grins on faces kids from afar Memories made memories lapse Neither friends nor foe, yet strangely so They seemed like us but strangely no A tackle too hard, a tackle too late We share in victory, we share in hate We huddle like penguins with nearly a sound Plays are drawn on hands or ground Nods are given, all is clear Our secret safe, our secret sound The play unfolds, not quite as planned Defense charge, our line outmanned Quarterback scrambles, the outcome dim No fear of defeat nor life and limb A last chance prayer, Hail Mary by name Don’t anyone say it’s only a game Bragging rights pending, youth in their prime It meant so much to us at the time Recollection muddied but joy it brings We meet at ball fields, our kids on swings Were prayers ever answered? Does it matter at all? We were rivals and pals When we were kings