One More Time
Skinny, lumpy linemen in an awkward crouch
grinding teeth, squinting eyes utter
terrible threats.
Bleeding knuckles are shown with pride.
Bleeding, scabbed noses
are pushed close to the enemy
in preparation for manly initiation.
Smash, bang, groan and another play.
Limping from pain and trying to impress
the battered warrior is greeted by
a shout of: "One More Time."
No smile on Swede's face.
He means it.
So, one more time.
And one more and one more -
will it never stop?
Too old to cry, too scared to quit.
Give the coach one more time
and then one more time again.
Hours spent in the trenches
etched that order in the mind.
"One More Time" will become became part of you.
And when you want to quit,
when you have been beaten,
when there is no hope -
you will still hear and
give it one more time.
Remember the blue eyes demanding
that you produce
even when you couldn't.
But with one more time
you will!
Trying one more time when
there is no hope will be
your success formula.
A stubborn way of life given you.
Say thanks for
"One More Time."
June 1996