I am from a world of competition,
from football rivalries, sprinting and pole vaulting,
from watching my cousin play football at Wisconsin.

From my life in the weightroom,
to “Finishing in the Red”
playing Arrowhead Football.

I am from the tournaments in my driveway,
from a breezy sunny day,
playing wiffle ball or basketball.

I am from the open space of my backyard,
those 60 yards, that became a child’s imagination,
kingdoms, football fields, and sporting arenas.

I am from the pain of the last 100 meters,
from making friends on the track team,
catapulting high in the sky.