Field Day Poem by Jim Yerman

When you grow weary of watching politicians call each other names.
When you're saddened by our government in disarray…
take a trip to any elementary school and watch their Field Day.

You'll see children working together as children.
You'll watch them cheer and laugh…embrace…
You'll watch them root for every child on every team
regardless of color or sex or race.

You'll watch their teachers and coaches fill their students with confidence.
You'll watch as they show them respect…and praise…
but never shame.
You'll watch them teaching children by example
the right way to play the game.

You'll watch the parents and grandparents on the sidelines
cheering, clapping…jumping in the air.
Watching the magic unfold in front of them.
Proud to be standing there.

Perhaps you'll remember when you were a child…
when you somehow had the knack…to work together…
to love your neighbor…
and you'll want that feeling back.

Perhaps you'll regain an optimism you thought was lost.
In fact…you may concede
that there is still hope for this world we live in
because one day…
these children will lead….

Lead us to a new tomorrow using their strength and intellect…
Lead us to a happier more peaceful world….
filled with dignity and respect.

You'll be confident these children will put the world on their shoulders...and lead us to a better day…
confident they will lead by example…
like they did on Field Day.