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If you’re a fan of origin stories, I’ve got you covered.

When I was a sophomore student at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, I had no clue what my major would be, so like any good student I brainstormed for about a couple of hours as my time to declare was running out.

I figured two things out during this brainstorming session – I loved to write and I loved sports. I was realistic enough to realize that I wasn’t headed for a career as a successful author, so I combined my two loves and decided to make a run at being a sports writer.

Over two decades later, I’d say it was the right call. But that doesn’t mean I gave up entirely on my desire to be a creative writer. I have written a few books over the years that are available on Amazon Kindle and have always been a fan of writing poetry. Although poetry may be a loose term, because I refuse to be shackled by rhyme schemes or the formats I learned as a creative writing minor in college.

But for lack of a better word, I’ll call it poetry.

As an example of the other side of my writing approach, what follows is a poem I wrote about the experience of an athlete. I chose basketball because it’s my favorite sport to play, but the words could reflect on any athlete. 

“An athlete’s journey”

Learn to walk, learn to dribble, learn to shoot

In the driveway, with no one else, winning imaginary games

Join a team and make some friends, sharing laughter with losses and wins

Mom and dad look so proud

 

Grow a little stronger, get a little bigger, feel the need to push the limits

Losing starts to hurt like a punch to the gut

Winning feels like natural joy, elation mixed with accomplishment

Mom and dad, friends and teachers applause

 

The work gets tougher and the games get bigger

A run to the title is delivered

Mom and dad, friends and teachers, and the entire community, gathers in euphoric celebration

 

The games are over and the wins are memories

Reflection begins and life moves on

Sooner or later, you’re watching your own child start to dribble