America’s Game Poem by Lonche Thrash

Sweat pouring, running into eyes

Eyes that focus like the photographer’s lens

But at the same time scanning, peripherally back and forth

Heart pumping to the extreme

Muscles flexed and necks bowed

Ligaments stretched like rubber bands and joints

Lose life with every step

Guts and nuts get checked while discipline is tested

Flesh meets plastic and blood trickles

Mother Nature flaunts her versatility

Summer is hottest here and winter is coldest

And Autumn is embraced as that favorite next of kin

Men small in stature become giants

And giants become champions

Many battles are forged in this war

Some more cerebral than physical

Respect is earned and taken when opportunity arises

Sacrifice is given and hate is simulated

At least sometimes

Emotions run wild in containment and intent is relative

Musically, this is Muddy Waters mixed with Jimmi Hendrix

Rock-n-Roll and the Blues

And Tchaikovsky and Public Enemy all rolled into one

Life enjoys this type of metaphorical mockery

Perseverance and execution reign supreme

Challenges are overcome and demands are met

This is the definition of ‘blood, sweat and tears’

This is controlled chaos

This is brutal….this is beautiful…this is football

This is America ’s game