
Life stories fill with the forgotten
Overlooked by the small world at large
Overcoming, life’s spirit takes charge
Victims of ridicule and slander
Entering life’s game as underdogs
Trailblazing amazing monologues
Asking, “Do you believe in miracles?”
Orchestrating man’s quest for a cause
Representing smallest underdogs
Breathing life into new dialogues
Dealing with dark, social injustice
Led by a resolute man, named King
Peacemakers marching, civil rights rings
Daily life recalls profound upsets
“David versus Goliath” contests
Lessons taught from these demanding tests
Smallish Texas Western steps forward
Meeting great Kentucky on the court
Historic win transcends college sports
Never dismiss the ugly duckling
Therein lies a most beautiful swan
Beauty, from deep inside, to act on
Crippled at birth, yet strong in spirit
“Forest Gump” defies the odds on his way
Encouraging us on life’s highway
Holding underdogs close to our hearts
Feeling lost, little to celebrate
Beating back the odds, changing life’s fate

Three different events are highlighted in this poem, with each one claiming a distinct place in America’s cultural perspective of life. The civil rights movement is greatly influenced the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the greatest college sports upsets takes place in 1966 when Texas Western upsets Kentucky. While civil rights continues to move forward, the racial landscape of college basketball is forever transformed as Texas Western’s all-black line-up outplays Kentucky’s all-white line-up. The film “Forest Gump” touches countless hearts with its inspiring story.
What a wonderful collection this is! I especially appreciated “Never dismiss the ugly duckling/ Therein lies a most beautiful swan/ Beauty, from deep inside, to act on.” So true! May we all see one another and the world around us through the eyes of grace and the lens of gratitude! Have a beautiful weekend, {{{Richard}}}.
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Jan, I appreciate your kind words. I tried to write this poem for a wide audience. Stay warm over there in Madison County.
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