The ball is shot. It’s in the air and
I need it. I need it more than
a fish needs water and
more than a dog needs air. So I jump.
High. They don’t expect me
and that’s the best part. I can jump.















High.
Their arms are outstretched-ready for the ball but they don’t think I can jump
high
higher
than them. But I do.
I don’t float to the ball, I soar. I soar up strong- so that it is mine and
no one else’s.
I am a cosmonaut soaring in the
universe of basketball. I am up, up, and almost away
out of this world
and into space
and into another world where
I don’t worry about
anything
and all I think about is
the game
but I know I must come down
because the
best part is
the landing when
it’s all over and done,
I have the ball it’s too late now and
they can only watch. And
all my problems fly away and
my head is cleared.
I don’t worry about my grades
And getting straight A’s
I don’t worry about my friends
And all the drama
Of who likes who and
Who hates who
I don’t worry about
the
expectations that are
set
for me.
My genius older
sister,
my athletic younger
brother,
their shadows
melt away
and it’s only me
soaring in the universe of basketball.