college football
hadn’t been to a game in years
got an invite
neighbors’ godson walk-on senior
had a
blast
tailgating with 40 some odd folks
the food
unbelievable
excitement all over the place
rah rah
waitin on the team at gate 15
all groupie like
had to see The Kid
all those guys come pouring out
all dressed suit and ties
wondering who’s gonna be silly
enough to keep playing this game
and then he was there
hugs high fives pictures everyone
and Dad standing a bit to the side
caught my eye
and I caught
a glimmer of tears
moist pride
raw redness of hope
That’s my boy
without a word
passed between us
and my heart skipped a beat
the meaning of it all
laid bare at gate 15
That’s my boy
echoing in my heart
college football
boys grown to men
and
pride in the eyes
of
dad

for Joey Willrodt
Arizona State