Three-Point Shot

Three Point Shot You reach the line, an almost perfect semicircle, racing from one side of the court to the other, avoiding the hoop In a soft wide arc, Your shoes biting deep into the floor, As you come to a halt, Announcing it to the world with a short, piercing squeak Tearing through the atmosphere, to the stands With the ball nestled in your hands, just yearning to take flight, You rise, knowing that your defenders can’t reach you Everything but the ball and hoop a distant memory Your hands travel through the same motions you know so well, Knowing, even before the ball leaves your grasp, you’ve already won, This time You finally release the ball, with a quick, decisive snap of the wrist Sending it arcing through the air with pinpoint accuracy, Racing towards the net Silence, and then, swish Crisp, clear as a spring morning Play continues on