This poem is inspired by my son’s football (soccer) game today …
Down 0-2.
Still 15 minutes left to play.
Should I quit and huff and puff away?
Or should I give it my all and let the chips fall where they may?
I choose to matter.
To make a difference and play.
Whatever the outcome I am in this to stay.
Try for one more pass. And one more shot.
First 1 goal. Then 2.
Keep believing.
Dreams can and do come true.
3 minutes.
That’s all the time left to change this score.
Do I play to win or not to lose?
The difference is subtle and rests on my shoe.
I take a chance and shoot and before you know we are up 3-2 to boot!
So is it really true?
That fortune favours the brave.
Or is it just a question of showing up to play. Everyday. And most importantly – today.
Alex Lancia 
March 17, 2018 at 7:44 pm
Hmmm I am writing about grit today too. It’s just drafted and I will post later. I am still wondering about where it comes from. Have you read Daniel pink’s Drive? Book study?
March 17, 2018 at 9:42 pm
Nope. Book study sounds good! First gut response is that it is a learned skill and not necessarily innate. Just my 2 cents.
March 17, 2018 at 10:03 pm
Sports offer wonderful metaphors for life. Love how this theme of perseverance shines in your poem.
March 18, 2018 at 2:06 am
You posed an interesting question: “Do I play to win or not to lose?” That’s the kind of question worth asking many kids.
March 18, 2018 at 7:36 am
Showing up to play! What a powerful line. Your entire poem is powerful, and the football (soccer, lol) storyline sort of enhances the importance of what was learned. But the theme is so transferrable. Thanks for an outstanding post!
March 18, 2018 at 7:50 am
Great poem. I love using sports images. I try to tell my 7th graders that showing up and playing the game everyday to the best of their ability will lead to success.
March 18, 2018 at 8:32 am
I like that you used first person to get in the mind of your son during the game. “I choose to matter” is a great line too.