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Swimming With the Sharks (for Lainey)
Swimming with the sharks, what an adventure,
when time comes to finally run a race;
a brief respite for those without a cure;
apples not oranges, footing not sure,
a time to redefine goal of first place.
A lesson in charades, for those static,
gladly given up. They know from the start,
all are not measured by the same yardstick;
will make sure today is less traumatic;
swimming with the sharks, worthy counterpart.
A moment to compete, not hide away,
on top of the world, season to define;
to enter in the game, come out and play;
daring to move, keeping the wolves at bay,
ground beneath, showing way to finish line.
When swimming with the sharks, choose to swim deep,
disregarding conventional rule sets.
There are arenas which welcome black sheep,
where the losers rejoice and victors weep.
Provided, this is a good as it gets.
Michael Todd (2017)
Disclaimer: The prompt for this poem was given to me by Lainey. I asked her for an idea. She responded with "swimming with the sharks." Not long after, I saw a video of several instances where people who were physically or mentally challenged, were taking part in athletic endeavors.
There was one where a basketball player got a rebound, and went the length of the court, and on the third try, hit a shot. Players from both teams gave him time and space. When that shot went in, players from both teams celebrated, along with the crowd. It was a magical moment in time.
There were several other defining moments in the video, but the one that got to me was when a player scored a goal in a soccer game, and immediately ran across the field, removed his team jersey, and gave it to a fan, confined to a wheel chair. I had great respect for that player. I have great respect for all of the individuals I saw in the video. I have tremendous respect for those who are impeded and cannot compete on an apples to apples level, but still give it their best.
And as for those who encourage them, I have no proper words to describe, other than to say, to me, they are the finest people, and worthy of acclaim, but odds are good, they don't want or need that.
A beautiful poem, and touching backstory. I've seen videos like the one you describe, and they always move me to tears with the kindness and compassion of the athletes. They show that everyone can be winners.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dahlia... You said much better than I did. Thank you for that.
DeleteAnd, of course... Nice FRISTING!!!
Ohhh the good old days still firsting. Great poem mike!!
DeleteSome traditions never waver, Brian... Thanks!
DeleteBeautiful! And as for the good old days, here are my Kudos!
DeleteThank you, Cheri.
DeleteYou are too sweet. :)
Beautiful write, Michael.
DeleteThank you, Mary.
DeleteLove it! Great details and wording! Also swimming with fine wisdom! Definitely give them space and room to shine!
ReplyDeleteDo that and good things are bound to happen...
DeleteThank you, Briana.
LOVED THE POETRY...IT WAS DELICIOUSNESS IN MY HEART AND THE BACK STORY WAS A SUPERB DESERT...THANK YOU FOR THE INVITE TO READ...I AM BLESSED <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail. You are far too kind. <3
DeleteTruly inspiring words mostly for those who may struggle with thoughts of the new and busy week ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Piper... I hope your upcoming week is spectacular.
DeleteThis brings out the soul that believes in equality and fair play for all
ReplyDeleteThat is the world I want to live in, Stormy. Thank you.
DeleteFor Lainey, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI did my best to channel her with this, Sallon. If I have a good side, I attribute that to her.
DeleteThanks bunches for visiting.
I've seen those videos usually on the local news broadcast and you just know that moment was the highlight of that person's life.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the lines in this poem have a pause in the line, reminding me of old Anglo-Saxon poetry such as Beowulf, and it gives those lines a rhythm and drive.
There is no substitute for having a lasting moment, Doc.
DeleteThank you for your very kind overview, Sir.
~wait a fine work.. thank you for sharing it ... swim deep.. loved that
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Katherine. Glad you enjoyed that analogy.
DeleteI enjoyed this poem very much, Michael, and the back story.
ReplyDeleteI love the 5-line form. The fifth line always surprised me with the delayed rhyme from the second line. The form works with the content to create a hypnotic sea feeling to the poem.
Thank you, Krysia... I have been trying for years to make this form work. This is the first time I was able to do it without assistance... It is wonderful to have you here with us. :)
DeleteAny friendship that transcends into a journey of family is a blessing of true being. Your words are paths towards eternity.
ReplyDeleteI deeply appreciate your affirmation, Brother Andrew.
Deletebeauty in the words, heart in the emotions
ReplyDeleteComing from you, Rebecca, that is as nice a compliment as I could ever hope to receive. Thank you very much.
DeleteSerious, committed, dedicated. Your homage was as wonderful to experience as watching those that are challenged excel in their efforts. Well done!
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you, Sir. I admit, I was seriously focused. I really did not want to mess up this opportunity. Thanks.
DeleteLoved this, Myke....puts thing in perspective . My last year of employment was caring for developmentally disabled. The pride of those who competed in the Special Olympics shone brightly.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I readily admit that I have no first hand knowledge here. I was concerned I might miss the mark.
DeleteYour account here is brilliant, and deeply appreciated.
Michael this is a powerful, compelling allegory. "Dancing with the sharks," when used metaphorically, can mean so much. It's a beautifully-penned poem you wrote. I also enjoyed reading your eloquent, insightful bit of prose at the close. Hey, I rhymed! Love & hugs, Eliza Anne
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eliza Anne... Today was a day when the overview was more important than the text.
DeleteI appreciate you visiting, as always. <3
I wish I'd written "it's a beautiful poem you wrote." Oh, the redundancy! ~ eaj
DeleteA new base line to work up from. Raise the bar.
ReplyDeleteThe very best plan, Sir, when properly put into motion, and the stars align... Thanks, Christoper.
DeleteA very deep poem, yet deeper still after reading the inspiration. It is a beautiful thing when people stop being so self-absorbed and let someone whose life is a greater hurdle than most can comprehend, have the spotlight. And radiant joy is unleashed. Kudos! -Dave Raider
ReplyDeleteOh, wow... Dave, you totally get this, in all its facets.
DeleteThanks, Brother. Take care.
"There are arenas which welcome black sheep,
Deletewhere the losers rejoice and victors weep."
Sublime...
When people find themselves in an elevated status (a win?) and realize that they are in a position to pay forward that 'win' to others more challenged? Greatest expression of gratitude ever and always grabs my heart. I think we are all swimming with the fishes and at time find ourselves surrounded by sharks --how wonderful when we are not eaten alive--but given an acknowledgement (or token) by better swimmers than us --who realize his hard for some to just stay afloat -/each and every day?
ReplyDeleteThe heroes are this who win and help others win in return --I could go on and on but I really loved this Mike--thanks❣
Thank you, Doris... This is a good place to get caught up in.
DeleteI hope you have a great week upcoming. :)
This is beautiful! I work with multi-hanicapped students in our local high school. On a daily basis I watch them conquer obstacles most of us would've walked away from because it was just too hard. I'd be so blessed if you'd allow me the private get of using your poetry with an image to share with the world (well, my small portion of it anyway)
ReplyDeleteYours is an amazing job. I am very happy this resonated with you, Robyn.
DeleteWe will get together on a future project.
Dear Michael,
ReplyDeleteNo way! No how! Can Lainey find a better topic than to scare the blazes out of your writing friends? Ha! Ha! Now, that I can pick my heart off the floor--just kidding. Thought I might make you laugh!
Blessings and best wishes,
Karen
She was vacationing when she sent that, and that means she is near big water. Her topic was a world of fun to navigate.
DeleteThings should get back to normal on the homestead this week.
Thanks so much for visiting me, Karen. Have a great week upcoming. <3
Wow, Myke! You certainly nailed Lainey's topic, and I love the rhythm and structure. Your words just flow like waves in the ocean. So beautiful, and the mental images I get of those who face such challenges prevailing, it just blows me away. Well done, my friend! HUGS xoxo Colleen
ReplyDeleteColleen, the structure is that of a Robert Frost poem that Lainey likes. It defies logic to a dyslexic like me. I got lucky.
DeleteI am glad you saw smiling faces. I could not ask for more. :)
Loved the poem, and after reading the story behind it, I loved it even more! :)
ReplyDeleteIrene
Thank you, Irene. I figured this might me something extra to my teacher friends, like you. :)
DeleteSuch a powerful, moving poem my dear. I saw it all like beautiful snippets of a movie. Thank you for sharing it. : )
ReplyDeleteOh, this is Maria (Mercurychyld) btw. ; )
DeleteThank you so much, Maria. I am so glad this played out for you, as I envisioned. <3
DeleteI loved this and you, so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alba Leigh.
Delete<3 this! Amazing structure and sounds! Inspirational!
DeleteThank you very much, Lana. <3
DeleteTouching piece Michael, lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Ruth. :)
DeleteHi Myke, Voo here. I finally found some of you guys!!!Hello.
ReplyDeletemy blogspot is:
http://bluevineyard.blogspot.com/
Fantastic to see you, Voo. Glad you found me.
DeleteYou have many fans, Michael and so you should. ☺ Your poem captures the spirit of "The Special Olympics" and other such events so well. I agree with your sentiments completely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. These are my friends. I am fortunate.
DeleteThanks for visiting, and good luck in you A-Z Marathon.
You have a lot of friends. That's a wonderful thing. Thanks for your good wishes. It's a gruelling challenge but also rewarding.
DeleteI love your poem. Not easy for some to come out and play but when they do, it's a beautiful celebration. Thanks for sharing, Michael.
ReplyDeleteA perfect set of cause and effect for celebrating, Debra.
DeleteThank you. :)
It is so touching to see kind works in action. I love seeing the receipents reaction. Thank you for inviting me over to read Myke. As always it has been a pleasure. Laura
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing you insight, Laura.
DeleteGreat to hear from you tonight. :)
A goal is such a personal thing with no solid definition except in the heart and soul. To exist, to experience, to achieve and to reach a mindset of your own acceptability. I don't go deep much preferring life to always be within reach. Great write.
ReplyDeleteWonderful analogies, Barbara. All things being relative...
DeleteThank you for visiting. :)
Wow! Appreciate the nod to black sheep.
ReplyDeleteHappy to do so, Michael. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteSo touching, bought a tear to my eye.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully composed and constructed. You are a great friend Myke.
Tee
Gosh, thanks, Teresa. You are very sweet to say. <3
DeleteMiss E-laini does bring out the best in you, doesn't she? Not that that is a competition, of course. A fine pack of pome, background information and comments, Sir Myke! As always :)
ReplyDeleteIt is true, Sir Ruggi. I never ever want to disappoint her.
DeleteThanks for coming by. Have a great morning.
I wonder how many poems you have written for her? LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteThe answer to your question, Nyla is... not nearly enough.
DeleteBut, I am off to a pretty good start.
A resplendent muse for an inspiring poem. I miss Lainey and hope she is doing well. Please give her my best. Thanks for sharing this with me. <3 Leta
ReplyDeleteWill do, Leta. Thanks bunches. :)
DeleteNice. I did need your explanation to get the apples and oranges bit, but once you shared that...it's a powerful message. I take it you are posting poems each day this month--a serious challenge!
ReplyDeleteRebecca The Ninja Librarian's Favorite Characters
Thank you kindly, Rebecca.
DeleteI do well to post a poem once every two or three months. I could never go at an A-Z pace.
Myke,Good job. I admire good-hearted people you described who do a little extra to make someone else happy. For anyone who's not physically or mentally challenged then it's difficult to understand the struggles of the underdog and I can see your comparison with swimming with sharks and those with limits. I think it's awesome when such a person gives it their all and shine. Thanks for sharing and for visiting yesterday's A2Z series, Art Sketching through the Alphabet! Happy a good day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks, as always, Cathy, for visiting.
DeleteBest wishes toward continued success with your A2Z Challenge.
Thanks, Myke! Please feel free to stop in every day for a new sketch contribution. Today's inspired sketches for the letter "E" is for elephant, eagle, and elk. Have a excellent day!
DeleteMyke, I left a reply to your comment on the letter "E" post giving you permission if you're interested in saving or printing my elephant sketch for your daughter. I hope she likes the drawing but more importantly she'll love that her daddy was thinking of her. :) Have a fantastic day and I invite you pop in for the letter "F" for fence, fox, frog, & funny face!
DeleteThis made my day. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth. Your video made this poem. <3
DeleteSwimming with the sharks is quite an adventure.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone is competent,nor dares to venture!
The video sounds great. Respect to all those who stand up for themselves & respect others.
Fantastic rhyming response, Anita. Thanks so much, and best wishes for your April adventures.
DeleteI love it! Eloquent and wise indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Barbi-Kay.
DeleteA beautiful write (AS ALWAYS) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kev. :)
DeleteBrilliantly worded! I really enjoyed this
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Thanks so much, Debbie. It is so nice to here from a friendly voice, as I lie here in a hospital emergency room, following a heart attack.
DeleteThis is beautiful Myke. It left my heart with admiration!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Ellen. I am so glad this resonated with you, in a good way.
DeleteLove the poem, Myke! And thank you for the back story. :)
ReplyDeleteIrene
Thank you so much for your timely visit, Irene. <3
Delete