deepundergroundpoetry.com
Blitz
ghostly football heroes incanted by us.
city kids. asphalt. concrete. pollution.
we played on the street in autumn.
winter too, when the snow was light.
too slow to run, I’m at QB.
my only job: connect with my receivers.
when traffic hits, everybody scatters.
sometimes too late.
hut 1. hut 3. hike!
my best receiver’s open. I throw.
car comes screeching around the corner, unaware.
my receiver leaps for the catch.
I figure he’s as good as dead.
driver slams the brakes, maybe with both feet.
receiver comes down on the hood.
still holding the ball. 1st down.
one or two of my comrades will garner athletic
scholarships. their only battlefield will be one-
hundred yards of sod in the center of a stadium’s
cheering crowd, where the ‘Star Spangled Banner’
is merely a lullaby.
getting dark. supper’s almost ready. mothers
will be yelling from tenement windows.
it’s now or never.
bigger kids on the other team.
every damn time. future linebackers.
my O-line breaks down.
I am so f*cked…
Published 6th Dec 2014
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 12
reading list entries 0
comments 8
reads 1003
Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
6th Dec 2014 9:27am
There's nothing like playing on asphalt and concrete ... And dodging cars. ... Nothing.
Cool.
Cool.
6th Dec 2014 2:47pm
I was too much of a wimp to play much football, but I enjoyed this. Pretty much a touchdown.
6th Dec 2014 5:08pm
Good piece, John. Different from your "normal" style but all the same captivating. Liked it!
7th Dec 2014 3:33am
7th Dec 2014 7:34am
i agree with JeJe, this brings back great childhood memories, albeit of playing cricket until the streetlights came on.
a lovely piece of reminiscence, Mister Feddeler
a lovely piece of reminiscence, Mister Feddeler
7th Dec 2014 8:02pm
8th Dec 2014 2:48pm
Love it! You got the football fever..You bring any scene to life with such flare. Nice one!
25th Dec 2014 3:58pm
Excellent job of attacking a different type of subject matter. The fine imagery which is a hallmark of your style shines through. A fantastic title as well !!!
