A View

Following is an excerpt from my book on poems as seen above, published in 2009.

“A Coach’s Lament”

While silently reclined

there is much that comes to mind.

Sounds and visions of seasons past,

one had thought would always last.

Ghostly allies and phantom foes

embroiled in combative throes.

Bright faces of delight.

Tears, the remnants of lost fights.

Patrons’ cheers of victories won.

Moans forthcoming as our victor’s dance is done.

Hearts revealed and no courage concealed,

as the line was drawn.

All are fulfilled and regrets have none,

when it’s understood what was really won.

No mantel can hold nor on wall be hung,

the value gained when the battle is done.

For the prizes will character, sacrifice

and honor be.

Yet acclaimed above all, our camaraderie.

Forever is never I’ve come to accept.

Bur fondness for what was will always be kept.

REFLECTION:

Whatever one chooses to do in life matters. In the performance of a duty or a role. Happy is the person who receives a wage for performing his passion. sadly, very often, those wages are not substantial. But what price can one place on fulfillment of that passion; doing that for which you were wired? In the end most would exchange a full portfolio for a full heart.

Unwittingly some strive for an image that is contrary to their real self. That road will eventually lead to failure. One must explore and be open to various avenues and opportunities which their true passion draws them to. In the process, let the adjustment to change happen. Don’t force it. If it is suitable, in time you will know.

When you can comfortably wonder where the day has gone and look excitedly forward to more of the same, then you would have achieved your niche in life. Your compensation will be the positive effect upon family, friends, and co-workers. By exercising your gifts and realizing your passion you in turn will help others find their niche.

I majored in mathematics in college. After graduating I pursued a dream career in the aerospace field. When the dream became a nightmare, I wondered and wandered. Finally, I received a gentle push from my mother that transformed into a stumble toward coaching youngsters. That joy experience led to a rewarding career as a mathematics teacher and high school athletics coach.

I have since retired from both. However, I look back on my experiences with a fullness and satisfaction that no other profession or endeavor could have produced. My failure to achieve the false want in reaching for the stars became the true need fulfilled found in the hearts of the children whom I taught and coached.

It is inevitable that all things, good and bad, come to an end. But in quoting, “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”, we can understand that the same can be concluded about one’s inherent passion, his or her niche. For those who never knew love are truly lost, and a niche found is secured for life. Even at life’s end the satisfaction and peace of heart is yours forever. Wherever one’ passion lies there also will be his attention, energy and love.

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