Super Bowl contemplations
In Peyton Place (a mile high)
the air is kind of thin
and yet the Broncos breathe with ease
while proving they can win.
In Wilsonville (on Puget Sound)
the Seahawks proved it, too.
Their defense is unstoppable.
Their reputation’s true.
And so when these two teams compete
in Met Life Stadium,
the Hawks and Horses will provide
three hours of much fun.
Impartial I am proudly not.
My friends know whom I’m for.
The 12th Man’s my fraternity.
Come Sunday we will roar!
Memories of my first World Series
When I was just a boy of ten
they rolled the tv in the gym
to let our elementary school
watch New York beat San Fran.
With Maris, Mantle, Mays and more,
I learned the joy of keeping score
while drinking in the ambiance
of baseball in the fall.
And ever since I’ve had an itch
to watch the first World Series pitch
and as I pick a team to cheer,
I am a kid again.
The autumn classic casts a spell
as any baseball fan knows well.
Regardless who the teams may be,
it’s fun to watch the best.
Attempting to make sense of the madness; Remembering Pat Summerall
The Boston Marathon Redefined
Attempting to make sense of the madness
More than just the runners
“hit the wall” in Boston last Monday.
An entire city is struggling to breathe.
Their shoulders are stooped
Their legs are as heavy as lead.
The finish line is nowhere in sight.
This painful marathon of terror is far from over.
It will call for persistence and endurance
as well as determination and focus.
It will require time.
Going the distance will take years (not hours).
Yes, the Boston Marathon
has taken on a whole new meaning
as it is set against the backdrop of another race.
Sadly, the human race is marred by hate and fear
not to mention unthinkable acts
(some still manage to imagine)
that we have come to take in stride.
Ours is a race where random acts of violence
(and those maliciously premeditated)
maim, deform and kill.
It’s a race that tests our ability
to survive, heal and forgive.
It’s a race in which we are called to
put one foot in front of the other
one day at a time
without knowledge of what’s ahead
as we lift the fallen
and carry the broken
and maintain our momentum
in a Godward direction.
Remembering Pat Summerall
A tribute to this sportscaster’s true value
I can still hear that rich resonate voice…
“And tell them Pat Summerall sent you!”
The pitchman for a hardware chain
whose life was going down the drain
would prove a hammered sportscaster
could beat a bottle’s curse.
True value’s seen in what takes place
within a person gripped by grace.
Celebrity, success and wealth
are not Pat’s legacy.
His worth was based in so much more
than skill in giving us the score.
He found his true identity
when he was born-again.
How very appropriate it was
that the “voice of The Masters”
would hear his Master’s voice
the very week the green jacket
was awarded in Augusta.
His final round at last complete,
he humbly bows at Jesus’ feet
who clothed Pat in his righteousness
and cleansed him from his sin.
Has he mastered his mistress urge?
Tiger, Tiger, burning bright
in the forest of the night
swings his rescue club till dawn
while no one’s around.
Tiger, Tiger burned with lust
as we watched his game go bust.
But it seems he’s changed his ways
and his game is back.
Tiger, Tiger longs for grace.
We can see it on his face
as he greets his faithful fans
willing to forgive.
Tiger, Tiger, soon will find
sweet success best not be blind
to booby traps that trigger acts
that make a winner lose.
Tiger, Tiger, burning bright
as he chases balls of white
will likely see that fame regained
means being on your guard.
Imagine Jack Buck announcing the new pope; A Prayer for Pope Francis
Now Batting for the Red Birds…
Imagine Jack Buck announcing the new pope
Jack Buck’s long gone
but in my mind I hear his raspy voice
with play-by-play descriptions
as the Red Birds made their choice.
“The Cardinals in their clubhouse
are adept at drawing straws.
And as they start to take the field
just hear the rapt applause.
“The captain of the team’s been named.
His uniform’s unique.
His jersey’s different. So’s his cap.
And you should see his cleats!
“Spring training has resulted in
a season of fresh hope.
And so Cards fans, now batting
is the church’s brand new pope.”
* Jack Buck was the beloved play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals for half a century.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20090879&source=MLB
A Prayer for Pope Francis
Paraphrasing the words of St. Francis
Lord, make him an instrument of Your peace.
A shepherd to the lost and least.
A pontiff to the poor and rich,
a pastor to the world.
Where hatred rears its ugly head
may he respond with love instead.
And may he model pardoning
when there is injury.
Where faith’s weak flame is nearly out,
help him discern the source of doubt
and offer hope to those who can’t
because of their despair.
Where darkness reigns both day and night,
help Francis to reflect the Light
who came into our sinful world
that we might see the way.
Where sadness dominates the heart
equip this pope to do his part
and demonstrate the joy of Christ
through actions, words and smiles.
My Rhymes and Reasons 