My niece challenged me to write a poem, more specifically entitled 'Underneath Friday Night Lights', while we were sitting underneath them. I know football is a huge USA sport, but I guess you'd have to live here to understand what it is that makes it so much bigger in Texas. Then again, it's been said that everything is bigger in Texas.
Under Those Friday Night Lights
There’s nothing quite like a small Texas town,
when half the population all gathers around,
shouting and cheering and clapping their hands --
painted faces and hotdogs in the football stands.
I yell and whistle with the best of them,
jumping up and hollering, “Somebody get him!”
Win or lose, we say, “We’re number one,” still.
It’s a Texas tradition, those Friday night thrills.
Beyond all the noise, even my own voice,
is constant hope that my boy made a brainy choice
when he chose to play in such a brute sport,
but I hide all that worry and give him support.
I’m sure that I’m not the only one there
that rubs the back of my neck to calm standing hair
every time my boy takes an intense hit.
But it’s all part of the game, that Friday night grit.
They’ve got to have guts, resilience and strength,
determination and courage to go the length.
They practice daily, give up their summers
to proudly wear their colors and sport their numbers.
But they know the risks and still love the light
when they run onto the field, hearing “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
That’s why they’re not ashamed to say they pray,
under those Friday night lights, just before they play.
DEAR JOYCE, MY 10 YR OLD GRANDSON PLAYS FOOTBALL, SO YOUR POEM TOOK ME RIGHT TO THE EDGE OF THE FIELD WHERE I SIT IN MY ALUMINUM CHAIR TO WATCH AND CHEER. GREAT POEM, AND SUCH A SPECIAL SUBJECT TO BRING TO OUR ATTENTION! YEA TEAM! X0XJS
Hi Treava, I can remember when we went and sat under those lights to cheer our grandson Michael on. He has gradutated now but those days are fun to remember. Love you Sharon
Great poem! My 10 year old is in his 2nd year career as a football player. He is one of those small determined ones. He works harder and runs further to make up for his small stature. Last year's coach told him he's got an alligator mouth and a humming bird butt- all talk and nothing to back it up- He has already taken an ambulance ride this year for a hard hit during practice, so I know all about the hair standing up on the back of your neck! But this is a great community event- those Friday night lights! We too gather and cheer! Love Danette
Oh, yes... I remember those Friday nights with my kids! Your words brought back all the memories! We may not have been in Texas, but the excitement and emotions were much the same - thanks for 'taking me back'. Love ya. Peggy
09 Sep 2007
I enjoyed your poem, Joyce, but not being a sport's person, nor fan, and never having been to a football game, nor ever having stopped to watch it on T.V., I have nothing noteworty to add, except, "Go Joyce, Go!" God bless!
