'shorty'

'Shorty', they called him from the very first grade in school.
He was seldom chosen for any game as a general rule.
He'd reached his maximum height of five feet six as a teen.
Though small in stature, athletic prowess lay dormant, yet unseen!

He tried out for baseball, football, even the basketball team.
Just to be a member of a team was his fervent dream.
Apprehensive coaches agreed to give the eager lad a chance.
Perhaps he could warm the bench - his ego it might enhance!

He was the third-string running back on the football team.
During the championship game the others ran out of steam
The score was tied - ten seconds remained upon the the clock.
He scored the winning touchdown!  That day 'Shorty' became a jock!

The state final basketball game is still talked about today.
All the star players fouled out, much to the coach's dismay!
The score was tied - 'Shorty' was sent in with seconds to go.
He was fouled but with steady nerve, his was the winning throw!

He gave his all when called upon and was accustomed to the jeers,
But accolades were showered upon him by his coaches, fans and peers!
His coaches learned that 'tis best never to judge a feller by his size!
He might just be the winner who brings home the coveted prize!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Alex Avatar
February 17, 2022 at 5:35 AM
Stature, indeed, does not mean. Great work. Congratulations!
Freeman Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Robert, a worthy presentation...great to see your poem in the top ten list, Congratulations on your worthy presentation. Agape, Moses
Onclaud Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 11:47 AM
yeheyy, robert...CHEERS to you for the great win..:) huggs!
Brown Avatar
August 3, 2011 at 8:03 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Debbie's "Play Ball" contest Bob. Love,Carol
Johnson Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Great winning entry Robert. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
August 2, 2011 at 10:14 PM
Congrats Bob on this super win with another glorious write in Play Ball...luv that title ..my friend.. super piece...
Johnson Avatar
August 1, 2011 at 6:33 PM
yes the under dog can often bite, watch him, little tittle tite, dont underestimate the tiny small, or you be chomping on the gall, sometime:)
Onclaud Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 6:13 PM
shorty wins, robert...an exciting, emotion-filled pice..:) huggs, nette
Neels Avatar
July 29, 2011 at 3:54 PM
So cool that Shorty got a chance to proof them wrong Bob.. I just love this cute write of yours.. Brought a smile to my face.. Wishing you all the best for the contest.. Btw I had to smile when I heard that the story of the man who woke up in the morgue made the news even over there ;) hope your weekend will be an awesome one..
Wesley Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Nice to see the little guy stand tall. You were right and gave your all!
Mehta Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 9:01 PM
What a pleasing and entertaining write with a message, Bob
Peranteau Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 6:02 PM
A brilliant write dear poet ! All too often we hear the onslaughts 'pon the souls who are "disadvantaged", yet, as you so kindly have enlightened us here on the soup, there are more advantages with lifes differences ! Have a wonderful day Robert....much love, james
Zzzzz Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Entertaining tale with a moral to it. Never judge a book by its cover, as they say! Good luck in the contest, Bob. Regards, Robert.
Brown Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Wonderful creative writing today Bob. I will be back soon to read more if the gremlins in PoetrySoup will permit. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Hurray for Shorty scoring that touchdown, Bob. And then to throw the winning point in the basketball game! Wow, being short, I was terrible at basketball, but it helped in gymnastics. A tall guy recently asked me if I would wear heels if he took me out. LOL Being short has disadvantages, but I was pulling for Shorty to succeed. Bravo! Love, Carolyn
Poet Avatar
July 28, 2011 at 6:29 AM
Very good story here Robert...enjoyed.Best wishes.
Sweetheart Avatar
July 27, 2011 at 9:54 PM
tremendous write Bob.. nice flow to the rhyme my friend and baseball season is now so hot and heavy..good luck in the contest.. I just posted a poem Nest of Plenty for John's contest and it is NOT showing up on the new poem by poets list.. oh..
Jones Avatar
July 27, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Cheered for a high school team that won state.. no one expected them to, except Coach Reinhart (and us cheerleaders, to a slightly lesser extent)... there was only one guy over 6 feet on the team, average height was 5'6"... they were affectionately known as "Reinhart's Runts!"
Jones Avatar
July 27, 2011 at 8:30 PM
A wholesome smiler... nice!
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