The Heroes

The new coach stood in coat and tie,
The boys in the hall emotions strung high.

Together they awaited the announcer's call,
Trembling with excitement they proudly stood tall.

Finally the call and roaring of cheers,
Faithfully they answered hiding their fears.

Every self-doubt hid with bravado and bluff,
Each of them wondered had they worked hard enough?

As they run through their lay-ups and shoot free throws,
Nervousness dies and anticipation grows.

Stuck alone in the open clipboard in hand,
Stands the nervous young coach their number one fan.

Has he forgotten anything - - is their strategy sound?
Heaven only knows but soon truth will be found.

The whistle blows and play begins,
Tiny flaws in strategy coach quickly mends.

Action ebbs and flows in a tense ballet,
All on the line it's won with a masterful play.

Players and coach are praised high and low,
Passing into the night they leave the gym in a glow.

And the good thing about it as memories dim,
All will be heroes that night in the gym.

Clint Bowman
21 Nov. 1995