Yards of freshly-cut grass scored in white
lined with aluminum seats.
The smell of blood, sweat and tears lingers in the air
along with the smell of past defeat.
The “Stars and Stripes” greet anticipating eyes
as the anthem rings loud and clear.
Players hold their hearts and bow their heads
until the end is signaled by cheers.
A prayer for safety and another “W”
goes up to God on high.
Another small prayer for the flip of the coin
heads or tails, do or die.
Under the lights of Friday night,
teenage boys become men.
No holds barred when the whistle blows
they battle for the next first and ten.
Passion coupled with the love of the game
brings them back daily to the gridiron.
Each walks in with a dream and a name.
They walk off the field as a team on fire.
“It’s just a game” onlookers say,
but to them it’s so much more.
It’s about being a “gamer” with heart and grit
no matter what the score.
What matters more than the incandescent numbers
on a big hunk of tin?
The lessons learned on and off the field
regardless of the win.
God made football for every gender, race and creed
to see how fulfilling competition can be.
He made football players for so much more
to make an impact as far as the eye can see.