Love of the Game

For the athletes everywhere

Sweat beads down my face
Impeding my vision.

The muscles tear and burn,
Im gonna need an incision.

Heart pounds in my chest
Feels like it's gonna explode.

Pupils dilate, eyelids heavy
Oh God, just take me home.

My muscles burn
My bones are sore.

But my mind
She cries out for more.

Why do I torture myself so,
With neverending pain?

It's simple, really;
It's for the love of the game.

Author's Note

I love sports, even though I'm not really that good. But I do it for the love of the game, as much as possible. That's where this is coming from.

Reviews

[richom]

I love this poem. Not only because it is so well-written, but for its message as well. I played a number of sports for many, many years and have several drawers full of assorted braces and supports that I needed for countless injuries during those years. But all of it was worthwhile because of the many benefits derived from sports: friendships made (both teammates and former foes), excitement, being part of a team effort, exercise, a sense of accomplishment when things went well, and accepting it when they didn't. Many people live perfectly happy, satisfying lives without any involvement or interest in sports, but I can't imagine what mine would have been like without them. Thank you for the poem. Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

Great homage to the athlete's spirit! I am not athletic at all, but I love to hike/walk. Even when it is over 90 degrees (as it is today), I put on my sneakers and walk three miles around a local park - for health? Maybe, but I think you said it better - for the love of it, that endorphin rush! :) Great job!

[Will]

That's certainly athletic, just in a different way! I'm glad you could relate, Rita.

[Baby Ricochet]

I can relate to this through bodybuilding so I really liked it. Great job Will

[Will]

Honestly, I was thinking of your story "Heavy" when I wrote this, so I knew you'd appreciate it.