These kids
These kids
these kids that boldly stroll onto the court at the peak of the afternoon
their polished Nikes laced up, school uniforms still tucked into their slacks
the school bell announces the beginning of the ritual gathering
and the sun calls them to congregate at this communal space
Taunts and quick wit fly off their tongues as they size up one another
their smirks and fighting words boasting of self-assurance and grit
Each takes their turn performing in the spotlight
rewarding successful shots with the opportunity to do it again
reminding their peers that they must earn the right to greatness
These kids
they live and breathe this active routine
and persist in the perennial rivalries of friendship
every day after school
all the clash,
the mocking,
the jesting
arises from a basic appetite for affirmation
our human craving for commendation
or just a nod of respect from our friends
I look at these kids, and I see myself
I see the same want to be wanted
the same desire for appreciation
My memories were not made on the court
but in that-one-friend’s basement, the one who always had us over
playing video games and hurling jeers across junk food and soda
or in that one-friend’s car, the one who drove us home from school
fighting over the aux cord and dramatizing the leading moments of our days
having to compete with the constant interruption of obnoxious interjections
I remember the sweet gratification when a good joke was acknowledged
equally the humiliation when a lousy one was derided
and the cycle of repeated metaphors and stories we exchanged
in the heat of our dynamic conversation
These kids
they have already learned that life is make-it, take-it
that the talented are rewarded with second-chances
while the weak must fight their way to the top
but I hope they remember that we find our security and our happiness
in the convivial company of friends that we love and support
unconditionally.
Thank you for reading.
