The Joys of Competitive Soccer

Just observations from a Soccer Mom

The Joys of Competitive Soccer…

 

High flying kicks send round ball a flyin’

Across windswept field toward waiting goal a lyin’

Runners fiercely follow the round leather sphere

Kicking the ball from players left, right, and rear

Head-butting, toe-tapping, heel-dancing moves

Send the ball moving amongst the team members' hooves

 

Cleats stomping, arm grabbing, leg tripping fouls

Confound the game nigh time to hither and cowl

If you can’t catch them, outwit them, or smartly outplay

Appears it is time to take them out, anyhow, or anyway

Shirt grabbing, chest bumping, arm twisting, trips

These boys become masters of aggressive little tricks

 

For a mother to sit and watch her young son play

Flying like Pegasus, dancing like Cassius Clay

Pride is among the feelings we hold

Fright when other players' wicked side becomes bold

Take care not to yell, not to insult the young ref

'Tis hard to sit quiet when young son is spun left

 

Like Mama Bears watching, teeth long, and claws sharp

We sit on the edge of our seat without yon musical harp

To quiet our moods and even our tempers

When a competitor sends our son’s ankle home in a wrapper

 

The joys of competitive soccer….

 

Bright Ocean Star; March 28, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

Can you guess where I was tonight?

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

how can one keep from yelling .. isn't that one of the joys of parent fans .. we want them to win .. and not get hurt ... so reflective of the game of life eh!? so full of risks to be taken (or not) and prices to pay either way .. my favorite thing about your poem is giving me the mom's perspective .. fiercely protective and competitive at the same time ;)
E.
ps did your team win? :)

[Bright Ocean Star]

yes!!!! We were so excited! Thank you for dropping by

[Bright Ocean Star]

4-2 we won

[Einstein Noodle]

yahooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! love it!!!
E.

[m.s.early]

Absolutely delightful.
Pleasant morning read.

[MomzillaNC]

It’s almost like being there…

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, MZ. It's a lot of fun.:)

[MomzillaNC]

:) yvw

[Moonie]

I've never seen that side of events, it's always been me performing and my parents watching. The mama bear reference is so correct... I sympathize with the poor young ref though...what would his fate be if your side lost the match... ;))
My favourite lines would be :"Head-butting, toe-tapping, heel-dancing moves
Send the ball moving amongst the team member’s hooves"
Could you bottle some of your excellent rhymes and parcel them to me please?? I am really awful at them... ahem..;))
Football is a game that really brings every country and every person closer, whether it is amateur football or the World Cup.
I really hope your side won...

[Bright Ocean Star]

We did! Our first win in a long time. 4-2! Yeay!
Thank you for reviewing this little bit of nothing. I so appreciate it so much. It just gives me goosebumps when I see my favorite people leaving me nice comments in the comment section..:)

[Moonie]

Yeay!!! And did your son score??

[Bright Ocean Star]

Sort of. They always ask him to cross the ball in front of the goal in a corner kick, and it bumbled about within this crowd of boys before one of his teammates bumped it in. It was a good game...:)

[NoelHC]

I coached all three kids in minor soccer from age 5 to 18, over a period of about 13 years total. It is hard enough being a parent of a player, imagine the strain when you are also coaching and managing their reams. It was interesting, fun, and challenging and I wouldn't trade a minute of it.
You have really captured the essence here, I had a vivid picture of a soccer pitch, and the teams in their bright jerseys, I could smell the grass and feel the breeze.
Well written.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Noel. I'm very happy you enjoyed this one. I love to go out and watch my son play, but its always fraught with drama. Something happens in every game. :)

[Woody]

gee you've described it so well Anne. I've been through that many a time. my wife is tougher, I confess. at times like that she calls me wuss, if you can believe it.
I enjoyed this one a lot Star.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Thank you, Woody. I'm happy you liked it. I don't think you are a wuss. Those kids can be very, very aggressive. My son has started cleating kids back. I don't like it, but he wants to teach them a lesson. He only cleats the kids who've been cleating him and others for a while before he starts. If he doesn't defend himself, he'll be completely run over. Thank you for dropping in to read this one. I always enjoy reading your comments..:)

[Woody]

I'm sure you're right. games like that will make them tougher and help them deal with the world. nonetheless, you're a mum. you can't help wincing whenever they fall down.

[Bright Ocean Star]

yes, indeed. Thank you, Woody! :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wait wait, i am still trying...i'll get it...wait.

you must be a proud mother...has to be tough, though, to see a son injured like that...

[Bright Ocean Star]

I haven't yet had the 'pleasure' of attending a game that he was cleated. I was home when he came home howling in pain from being cleated, though. Last night a boy just hooked his arm to slow him down while he was dribbling the ball down field. I threw down my glasses and jumped to my feet yelling, "Gosh Darnit! He's holding my baby! Don't you see that?!" My friends around me started laughing at me. There are times, I just can't stay quiet and sit in my seat, no matter how hard I try. Thank you for reading this one, Jacob. I'm so happy you liked it...:)

[Bright Ocean Star]

My computer is giving me fits. It wants another comment. I am ever so thankful for your continued reviews of my poetry. Have a great rest of the weekend, my friend...:)

[~]

AHAHA!! :) well, mine are still 3 and a half, and now I know what to look forward to. I might have to come to you for some "beary" good advice on this topic :)
I really had a lot of fun reading this! :)

[Bright Ocean Star]

I don't think you'll need any advice. Most women have that mama bear thing down cold. But, I am ever so happy you liked this one. Thank you for dropping in to read it.:)

[Matching Socks]

Lol. :)
Yup, I can definitely relate to this one!!
This mama bear has had her claws out once or twice but I've kept my mouth shut.
Good one, love this!

[Bright Ocean Star]

Ha-ha! I am glad I am not the only one to feel that way. Thank you for stopping by to read this one...:)

[Matching Socks]

Nope, you are not alone! :)
You're welcome!