What

Could Have Been:

When

a football is forced

From

your arms upon impact

With

blue tinted astroturf

Sound

of the hit loudest in your head

 

From

your arms upon impact

The

ball heaved

Sound

of the hit loudest in your head

The

sidelines silent, but for the coach’s voice

 

The

ball heaved

And

probably recovered by your opponent

The

sidelines silent, but for the coach’s voice

Screaming

exactly what is expected

 

Probably

recovered by your opponent

And

likely returned for a touchdown

Screaming

exactly what is expected

The

scoreboard serves to remind you of your mistake

 

Likely

returned for a touchdown

Because

a crowd loves an underdog almost as much as a winner

The

scoreboard serves to remind you of your mistake

And

you consider a job in the hometown hardware store

 

Because

a crowd loves an underdog almost as much as a winner

And

you come from a small market city

You

consider a job in the hometown hardware store

Where

you could wear a high school championship ring to work

 

You

come from a small market city

Below

the rust belt, above the bible’s buckle

Where

you could wear a high school championship ring to work

Admiration

would lather your day

 

Below

the rust belt, above the bible’s buckle

Even

when you mow the lawn

Admiration

will lather your day

You

will remember

 

Even when you mow

the lawn

 

Blue tinted astroturf

 

You will remember

 

The force of the

football

 

Max Wolpert