Prompted by Poet's Place Cafe

Ode to Laker Basketball Form of the Week Epinicia

Now you know my other passion. Here is an old one that fits the genre. It has been a long dry spell with a rise again to the top midway. Hopefully with the acquisition of LeBron et al, we will return to #1 where this great franchise belongs. Maybe not this season, but soon.


Ode to Laker Basketball

Exciting anxious bursts of joy and fear,
anticipation grips the waiting din.
The team appears upon the floor, a cheer,
the long awaited game will soon begin.

The breathless surge of rapid running feet.
The sneaky pass behind the back connects.
Staccato rhythm pounding out the beat,
a giant hand above the rim...... rejects.

The speed with which they run the court so small.
The strength of these amazing acrobats
displays of agility and grace in ones so tall,
with hustle plays that do not show in stats.

A hoop that brings the fan up off his seat,
the rivalry that turns a cheer to "boo"....
The shots that miss and "REBOUND" we repeat,
they show a little razzle-dazzle too.

The power felt while watching Shaq, slam...dunk,
brings kindled hopes of winning back to back.
It doesn't matter how the ball is sunk,
determined Foxy takes it to the rack.

The rush of being in the zone equates
with fearless Kobe driving to the hole.
Athletic prowess of the team relates,
the kick outside to Fish to play his role.

We know what Horry brings, play smart,
age takes it's toll on legs but not the mind.
Time slows the body not the heart,
we have the legs of George for speed and kind.

This arena hails tradition deep and sweet,
of Magic, Wilt, Kareem and many more.
In champions and superstars we meet
the hallowed winning L.A. Laker lore.
                    ----- Judi Van Gorder May 22, 2001


Notes: ▼

32 Lines

Written in iambic pentameter quatrains with alternate rhyme.

I sent this poem to the team manager at the time and he responded saying he was posting it for the players to read. I don't know where he posted it or if he actually did anything with the poem but it was nice he responded positively.