An Ode to a Warrior

A week before Homecoming coach, you left us alone.

And troubled minds thought about you, every step of the way,

We screamed as we counted ‘til our lungs would surely burst, and still we’d bemoan

This loss that has lost us in our hearts decay,

 And in our haze we sprinted ‘til our knees wobbled,

Just like yours, battle torn

We hit so hard we saw spots.

And with our hearts asunder we won the game, the path to victory cobbled

With searing sharp stones, legs excruciatingly worn,

Beneath those shining Friday lights, still we bore the darkest thoughts.

We hugged your wife on the sideline, she had watched the whole thing,

Our display of violent victory,

And in her smile we saw her pride, but it was in her tears we felt the sting,

And we cried the entire time, strength sapped by misery,

And yeah we know coach we’re supposed to be tough,

Just give us this time, it’s Homecoming tonight,

And since you won’t be coming home...

We think you’d think we’ve had enough.

……..

It’s been a couple years,

We’ve grown too old to play,

Muscle knots have been untied,

But the memories will always stay.

Of our coach, the warrior, the Friday light legend,

A blown out back and two torn knees,

Cutting broken teeth.

An iron warrior’s story ended, but his love never lessened

We know you’re playing now, somehow, someway, on a pristine field that you never have to leave.