Colin F. Jones

CONCERNING FOOTBALL
(For Danny)

~ 1 ~

If we keep on winning boredom defeats,
The glory of being the best,
It is better to lose that elation repeats,
By renewing the great contest.
Victory will come if you enjoy the game,
But victory is not always because you win,
For doing your best carries no shame,
Establishing great character and pride within.
It is all about placing the perfect pass,
That a friend is able to score,
Or saving a ball from a forward of class,
Hearing the appreciating watchers roar.
It is seeing the joy in the coach’s eye,
Who knows it’s the game you are doing it for.

~ 2 ~

Continual winning sets the bar too high,
And elation soon turns to gloat,
Achievement distorting the reason why,
We strap on the football boot.
When expectations are high humility wanes,
We try to achieve what we cannot attain,
Of loyalty and love, so little remains,
And passion is lost for the game.
It is the love of the sport; participation that counts,
The unity that lives in the team,
Appreciating the efforts each one surmounts,
Understanding what good attitudes mean.
It is the collective effort of player and coach
That fulfils the individuals dream.

©Copyright July 26, 2011 by Colin F. Jones