Spectator:
The spectator sits in the stands, cheering for his team
Watching every move, analyzing every detail
Consumed in the players, not knowing anything else
Never the thought enters his mind that he could play too
He lives his whole life vicariously through others
Oblivious to his own, crumbling in shambles
Critic:
The critic knows everything, yet understands nothing
Comfortably attacking the doers under a scope
Yet under the same exam he would shrivel away
He never knows or feels fear and can always be right
Experiencing not being hit from the blindside
Understanding no pain, yet seeking the glory
Amateur:
But at least the amateur has desire to play
Anxiously awaiting his entrance on the sideline
His mind starts to wander as the obstacles he sees
Afraid of the spectators and the critics as well
His talents go unnoticed as he stays off the field
Unwilling to take action in spite of his fear
Pro:
The pro, despite dreading the field, steps over that line
Mocked, bruised, examined, and criticized unceasingly
The pro is thrown around and beaten down to the ground
Yet, he rises again wearing a bulletproof vest
Unafraid to fail, stumbling forward, making mistakes
If not for him, the others would have nothing to do
–Jason Westlake
Wed., October 25, 2006
