Others I have watched do it for years
Envy flowed through me as I waited
Every move I studied carefully
Dreams and visions I’d rehearsed many times
After what seemed an eternity
They called my name to play on the field
I darted out fast, eager, and blind
I soon felt the effects of the game
The noise of the crowd blasted my ears
Thousands of eyes burned holes in my soul
The opposing team knocked me right over
Pummeled and trampled, I lay on the ground
When I rose came the worst enemy of all
The tightening and clamping down of my heart
A feeling worse than fear bound me down
I limped and crawled back to the sideline
My dreams were crushed as I sat in tears
Years passed by as I dwelt in the shadows
Memories and hopes I tried to forget
Away from the field I carefully stayed
But more wisdom and strength found its way in
Through the back door, sneaking up from behind
Confidence and experience
Built me up consistently through time
Back to the field I decided to go
I’m prepared to play this time around
Calmly I wait while they call my name
My time has come, dreams can come true
The day is here, and I am ready
The tempest rages and swirls around me
Focused, serene, at ease I am today
I cross the line, and play begins
–Jason Westlake
Sun., January 21, 2007
