Yesterday's Hero

He laced up his sneakers
   for perhaps the last time
in a meaningless game
   He was long past his prime

Hs eyes scoured the stands
   half-empty tonight
Could his team forfeit the game
   No, that wouldn't be right

Fans there'd paid for their tickets
   They deserved a real show
Though how he'd respond
   He never did know

Some nights he just couldn't move
   Couldn't get into a groove
Couldn't jump; couldn't shoot
   Barely fit into his basketball suit

But tonight he felt better
   And his shot was on fire
When he jumped, he fairly soared
   Upward, higher and higher

In a last burst of glory
   His team won the game
Yesterday's hero'd attained
   His final fifteen seconds of fame
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Y. Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 12:31 PM
WOW! Gershon, You wrote this very well. I agree with Kim, I felt like I was at the basketball game. I was rooting for him all the way . Yay! His team won. He went out with a bang! I enjoyed the read:-) Alexis
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 1:01 PM
You must have inspired yesterday's hero with your cheering. Thanks, Alexis! Seasons best, Gershon
Rodrigues Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:46 AM
I felt as if I was there! Cheering!
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 12:59 PM
I could even hear you rooting him on! Thanks, Kim. :) gw
Gauthier Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 8:50 AM
I enjoyed your poem, Gershon. Nice to see a hero end on a high note. Great tribute.
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:30 AM
Yup. Nice for a hero to go out the front door, instead of having to sneak out the back way. Smiles, Gershon
Green Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 7:59 AM
Beautifully expressed my friend. One who felt he was washed up gets that final moment to shine and shine he did in your wonderful poem.
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:29 AM
Sort of happened to me once too, amazingly. Sort of... (Not exactly like in the poem). Thanks, Chris. ~ A.W.U. (All Washed Up)
Krutsinger Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 3:44 AM
I am reminded of a girls basketball game in the 80's played in Des Moines Iowa when Connie Long threw the ball across the court from one end to the other, making the basket and winning the game three nanoseconds before the buzzer. A record shot! That was in the 80's! This poem reminded me of this for the first time in forty years!
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:27 AM
Glad to hear that this poem brought back such great memories for you about the game that Connie Long won. Thanks, Caren! :) gw
Marcum Wong Avatar
December 11, 2019 at 11:21 PM
A heartwarming story of victory, no matter the age. I loved this Gershon! Happy holidays my friend. : ) xxoo
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Hey, thank you, Connie! Thanks for the support, and happy holidays to you and yours! Peace and Joy, Gershon
Foster Avatar
December 11, 2019 at 10:39 PM
This was lovely... cheering in the stands... Ann
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:25 AM
Hip, hip, hooray, Ann! Thanks, Gershon
Na Avatar
December 11, 2019 at 9:59 PM
Hi Gershon. You worded this great. He still had it in him. He had to make 1 last go of it. Thanks for sharing this
Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2019 at 9:24 AM
Yup. One last stand for the hero. Sounds like a 'B movie' plot, doesn't it?! LOL. Thanks for the support! Season's best, AWU (stands for All Washed Up)
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