Rose tinted memories
Of those days
So long ago.
Father and child
Bonding together
Over a game
The child loved.
Grand old game*
Unfolding before us
Over the car radio
As we visit family
Or the cottage.
Where everyone is equal
Regardless
Of players’ skin colour
To the listeners’ imagination
As they ran out
Onto the field.
“Hello friends”
Marked Blue Jays broadcasts
For 27 years
By hall of fame announcer
Tom Cheeks (1977-2004).
With first partner
Early Wynn (1977-81)
Then Jerry Howarth (1982-2017).
Together
Called both Toronto Blue Jays
World Series championship
In 1992 and 1993.
Unknowingly
Kept a young child alive
With their voice of hope
As bullying and abuse
Became too much.
Offering the chance
To saviour
Life’s rich bouquet
And to dream
The impossible.
Therisa © 2018
Author's note:
*Nickname for baseball.
A poem for Poets United’s midweek motif writing prompt: Greatness / in honor of Nelson Mandela International day). How two men saved my life.
6 comments:
"Unknowingly / Kept a young child alive"...Much greatness lies here...
I still get emotional, when I look back at these memories, Sumana.
Yes! They were a life raft, and for the abused little one they were greatness indeed. Good stuff. You might send it to them--or to their museum.
Sadly, Mr Cheeks past away almost 15 years ago, from brain cancer. His name is on the Toronto Blue Jays' Wall of Excellence. I think, I may an indirect way of sharing this. Need to get the third party email address.
I am struck by how those broadcasts unknowingly kept a small child alive, dreaming bright dreams, during difficult years. I love this poem.
Sherry, they were an avenue of escape for me. Especially, during the nighttime.
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