When We Dared To Be Kings

This is dedicated to Monroe Ave, and Kobe Bryant... thank you.

Which rousing tales of ours have those summer winds kept?

Nothing moved like we did... with the wind and against the heat. A rowdy crew of shorts & sneakers; putting basketball to pavement like hands to a war drum. Every neighborhood vibrated as we marched... and those boulevards became battle flags. Our voices carried them on high till nothing could be heard, but them.

Sweat soaked passion filled those white lines on hot blacktop from corner to corner. Amidst the thrill of competition, we push'd & pull'd at dreams as we challenged the sky and shook earth. We were lords of the playground; living and dying, game to game... legends and gods alike were made or slain in a moment's pause - below or above the rim.

On that sun-baked asphalt, we chased echoes of greatness - with our tongues out. We shouted "Kobe!", at the top of every game winning shot. Some of us gave so much to that speechless queen, hoping she found us fit for a crown. Will they remember... we were the favorite sons of the avenue? Or, stand in the quietude of those settled moments, when we dared to be kings?

Which rousing tales of ours have those summer winds kept?

Author's Note

This is my thank you to Monroe Ave, a small patch of earth that likely saved my life... and also a thank you to the late Kobe Bryant, whom was always a point of inspiration. Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Dave W.]

That was really good, I liked the line "On that sun-baked asphalt, we chased echoes of greatness". just fantastic.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you. Interestingly enough, it's one of my favorite lines in the piece as well.

[Coyote Poetry]

Amazing storytelling in the poetry Travis. I believe, at least one time in a lifetime. We want to be kings. We do out-grow the thoughts. Maybe we don't want the responsibility? Outstanding poetry my friend. I did enjoy.
Coyote

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you dear friend... both for the visit and endearing review. I indeed wanted to be King... it was a mighty hill to climb. I did the best I could. Lol I just hope it was enough to be remembered.

[emmajoygreen]

'On that sun-baked asphalt, we chased echoes of greatness - with our tongues out. We shouted "Kobe!", at the top of every game winning shot. Some of us gave so much to that speechless queen, hoping she found us fit for a crown. Will they remember... we were the favorite sons of the avenue? Or, stand in the quietude of those settled moments, when we dared to be kings?'

Am trying to write something about 'winning with glory' - advised to read your words. Yes, how right it is for me to share your emotions, that glorious experience and.. no doubt, a unique, long-lasting memory. What's more - a lesson for Life!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Firstly, I am thankful and humbled by your words and visit. I am honored that this piece was recommended to you. I hope it was a help to you. Please be sure to direct me to the piece you are working on when it's completed, if it isn't already.

[emmajoygreen]

Your words have a very special and victorious pride that far exedes my idea. So, for now have put my thoughts aside on slow simmer. If, when I dare, yes - will let you know, thank you!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Praiseworthy, honorable and impeccable. The litany of your words would make Kobe so proud. Such an impressive piece you've written, Travis. The title is everything! You must be so proud...and rightfully so!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, thoughts such as yours are what bring forth pride. It's greatly appreciated and always an honor.

[Brad Dehler]

Thank you for sharing this inspiration. I particularly appreciate the contrast and the visual imagery.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoy it... you're visit and review are greatly appreciated.

[MichelleSun]

Oh my Lord. This is it. Amazing.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you... color me humbled.

[Dara]

Wow! This is great. I would love to see you add to it, possibly turn it into a novel or novella. The title draws the reader in immediately. You are a gifted writer I can see.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you... will have to give that some consideration. Thank you for the encouraging and thought provoking words!

[Robert Haigh]

A good piece of poetic nostalgia! It is good to look back - especially if those memories are happy ones!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

They indeed are happy ones. Thank you for the visit and review.

[lightsong]

So so so wonderful! I felt the passion, the power... the nostalgia and feelings of wistfulness. We are all kings and queens somewhere, and there You and your friends are in your own field, The Masters, The Knights and Kings. a touching first and ending lines my friend. I am sure the Summer winds will continue to carry your tales. I searched for Kobe Bryant, died too young. sorry for your loss my friend.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, very much for your uplifting, and kind thoughts. Kobe was most definitely a loss for us all.

[Lisasview]

Good morning,
Being inspired to write is always a wonderful thing.
I am not sure I would classify this wonderful write of yours as a poem...but what do I know?
Felt like a short story...or perhaps a page from a journal.
Non the less...I like it very much,
Lisa, early here in Spain

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for your honest thoughts. Poetry comes in so many different forms, what does any of us know, right? Lol either way you read it, I'm glad it was well received.

[Lisasview]

You are most welcome…
And so right there are so many forms of poetry…
Lisa