Fighter

Fighter

I saw my world through black bars.
I learned not to mind them.
“Run” they told me.
Run I did with colors crashing all around.
The orb hurled itself back toward earth.

The player caught the football and ran.
I mirrored his course.
I had to take him down.
As I trailed him, a blue jersey stepped in my path.

“Pop!” my knee went three times.
To the ground I fell.
My season was over.
My recovery had just begun.

Knew of the recovery I did not.
Knew of the surgery I did not.
Knew of the pain I did not.

But I must return.
Because of my brothers.
Because of the battle.
Because I can be a fighter. 

One year later.
I saw my world though my black bars.
I learned not to mind them.
“Hit” they told me.
Hit with crashing colors I did.

The player took the hand off and ran.
I mirrored his course.
I had to take him down.
His blue jersey turned toward me.

“Pop!” my opposite knee went.
To the ground I fell.
My season was over.
My recovery had just begun.

Knew of the recovery I did.
Knew of the surgery I did.
Knew of the pain I did.

But I must return.
Because of my brothers.
Because of the battle.
Because I am a fighter.

One year later.
I saw my world through black bars.
I learned not to mind them.
“A Medical!” they yelled.
“A Medical” they gave me amongst the quiets colors.

I coach ran to where I lay.
Move I could not.
I was in shock.
Coach ran to help me.

Out of joint my elbow had gone.
On the ground I stayed.
My season was over.
My career was over.
My life as a football player was over.
I was a senior.

Knew of the recovery I did not.
Knew of the pain I did not.
Knew of my future I did not.

But I must…but I cannot.
The battle in football was over
But more challenges are ahead.
We must face them, I must face them.

Because of my brothers.
Because of the battle.
Because of my sister.
Because of my mother.
Because of my father.
Because of my students.
Because of my wife.
Because of my children.
Because of grandchildren.
Because of my God.

Because I was a fighter.
Because I am a fighter.
Because I am always a fighter.