The Athlete

Eyes scan the field.

All sound turned mute.

The cheers of the crowd have gone

missing.

Feet dance with deception;

which way to choose?

Step-over, step-over in effort to

move.

Muscles contract to carry passion.

Blood, sweat and tears; love more than a game.

Instinct over fear - that attempts to

tame.

The momentum of body

begs for time to pause and give rest.

But the spirit will not quit and refuses to

doubt.

Will we win? Will we lose? Only the fates can decide.

The desire to compete fuels

the quest to

survive.

Screams leave the thighs as they slide to defend.

Blast loudly as their cells erupt and bruise the body -

but not the mind; the heard contends.

Breath leaves the lungs

at the sound of the whistle.

One

hundred and

twenty

minutes.

It will all make sense in the end.

The love for the game and that decisive goal.

Reflections of life, connection, and fellowship.

Newfound meaning in the

soul.