Once Broken

He was once a fine champion, to reach for the stars, all such fame,

Everything was then so positive, all did know his own special name.

Considered by many big colleges, a certainty, then their recognition,

If only time and circumstances had so helped it all come to a fruition.

Wonderful the seasons, then to follow, seemed he could do no wrong,

Each time he scored, he was so adored, followed by all, did so throng.

Newspapers so full of all his exploits, as each weekend he had fulfilled,

His relatives were now proud, was an excited crowd, always so thrilled.

Was then the sorrowful day did come, his injury never to overcome,

A broken spine, was a crippling blow, unknown where it came from.

Many strenuous practices, hard hits, as expectancies were so great,

Now this once revered, praised athlete, had to accept his own fate.

In past days the injured athlete was so praised, having so many friends,

Now after he was down, hardly any to be found, as the false pretends.

"Fair Weather Friends" showing true colors, his shunning soon began,

Never mentioned again, his name to honor, was ignored, was the plan.

This athlete was not now done in, for his new life then he did so begin,

Trying harder than he had ever done before, was the message to send.

He struggled through classes in school but passed all, now life to rhyme,

Graduating on time, one more honor he had earned, were days sublime.

He was to go further in his life, despite those bad times, full of such strife,

These days were now forgotten, the unsteadying times to cut like a knife.

Now was playing on a tennis team in college, made grades, all well done,

Graduated there, plus three more times, was finer than a touchdown run.

Never give up, no, not ever give in, follow this for the rest of your days,

We are stronger than we know, great courage to show, in all our ways.

We're made of sterner stuff, ignore every rebuff, strive for higher goals,

Forever found within, in you too, my friend, our benevolent creator extolls.

****************************************************************************************************

all rights reserved and under copoyright laws 2017

****************************************************************************************************