Ignoring the pain, I respect my flying flag
for the singing of the National Anthem at half time.

I know I should sit out but my team needs me to win
only down by a field goal.
I play on with the agony of my shoulder taunting me
letting me know this is definitely the last game of my season.

We run our way up the field
as the clock runs down the time.

One hard hit after another
I can’t let them get to the QB
but the torture is just too much.

My coach drags me off the field
like a child misbehaving at a grocery store.

The clock keeps ticking.

I tell the coach I’m fine
as my shoulder reminds me that I’m not,
and I am taken away to the locker room.

My dreams for the perfect season ahead were gone as I leave

Fighting
Crying
Thinking