Floor hockey, soccer, basketball, the sports
of winter now begin. We watch our young
ones play. They’ve won some games, they have been stung,
but we, on bleachers, cheer them as on courts

or fields they run, throw, pass, or make a goal.
On Sunday afternoons two hockey games
occur, the Blackhawks and the Sharks. Call roll
to make sure the whole team is there. The names

include our dear ones. In their uniforms,
new cleats upon their feet, equipment packed,
they march into their games. The fan base swarms.
We hope for points that grow, become so stacked

they’ll lead into a win. If not, though, teams
end games by shaking hands, good sports. We cheer
this sportsmanship, their fun, and burst our seams
with pride. Here’s to another sporting year.