The Referee (poem) by Eileen Clemens Granfors on AuthorsDen

The Referee
by Eileen Clemens Granfors → (All Poetry by Eileen Clemens Granfors)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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That guy in the zebra shirt is a person too, with a whole history behind him.
The Referee All he wanted was for the world to play fair, The rules are clear if people would look. Instead, cheaters prospered and left him back there. They gained prominence, ignoring the Book. He first tried to help when his parents would fight, Offering a peacemaker’s role to their ire. They looked right through him, a sad oversight, Then divorce buried his heart in mire. He grew up, he married, he vowed to change things, Make a family perfect for the world to see. He provided and nurtured, taught his household to sing, At the park, he was a referee. The parents in leagues, and the coaches there too, Acknowledged his love of the game. Yet, they on the sidelines would mock and stew, Throwing epithets at him and his name. The world is not fair, won’t play by the rules He’s older and he sees that’s just fate. Some people are kind, some people are cruel, Standing tall, he smiles amid hate.

Reviewed by Stephanie Murray (Reader)

Reviewed on April 1, 2008

I like this. I like the referee's story and the remarks about the coaches and parents. How true it is!

Stephanie

Reviewed by Andre Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed on March 12, 2008

I admire the pen of this Poet, and "The Referee" can tell why.

This poem is a sample of what poetic accomplishment is made of; and how a Poet pays the poetic dues with diamond's words.

In admiration,

Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU

Reviewed by Randall Barfield

Reviewed on March 6, 2008

beautiful. Who could ask for a better referee? Cheers

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

Reviewed on March 4, 2008

Life surely is not always easy is it, you have brought all this out very clearly....

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Jackie (Micke) Jinks

But his role is not one of a selfish man, as are those on the sidelines. Well penned poem, Eileen.

Micke

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Sad truth, Eileen. Thank you. Love and best wishes to you,

Regis

Reviewed by Jill Eisnaugle

Eileen,
Sadly, in today's age of children often being in sports only to glorify their parents and parents picking fights with other parents and/or the referees, it is nice to remember that the referees, themselves, still value, cherish, and honor the game, for the love of the sport and nothing else.

Thank you for sharing this poem.

Jill

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

Powerful reminder, Eileen, very well penned.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.