Game Day

I'm gazing past the chain link fence,

to my son,

standing on the sidelines.

I sit and watch

while the other parents talk and cheer.

The men shout phrases that their sons don't hear.

"Loosen up out there!

Stay low... Get on top of 'em!"

I open my book and keep to myself,

avoiding eye contact.

Always waiting.

A chance to compare.

Who is taller, brighter, faster, smarter?

Chitter chatter.

Tedious and boring,

so I pretend to read,

all the while,

my heart is gazing

past the chain link fence,

to my son,

standing on the sidelines.

Angela Minard 2007