Three years on the sideline.
Helmet strapped. Heart pounding.
Dream deferred, not abandoned.
He could have left.
Transferred.
Started fresh somewhere else.
But he honored his commitment.
He stayed.
He waited his turn.
Now the time is his.
Quarterback.
Leader.
His team.
The stadium shakes,
packed and raucous,
thousands of voices
rising like thunder.
Every throw connects.
Every drive advances.
The crowd chants his name.
Out of timeouts,
the opposing team concedes,
powerless to affect the outcome.
One play remains.
Victory formation:
he takes a knee.
The clock ticks to zero.
Voices call his name,
overwhelming him
with handshakes
and hugs.
But then—
he sees her.
His mother.
Beaming with pride,
arms opening.
And the roar fades.
The frantic fans disappear.
The noise, the glory,
all shadows now.
He sees only her.
The one who cheered every practice.
The one who lifted him when he stumbled.
The one who loved him before
the world ever knew his name.
They embrace.
Nothing else matters.
In triumph,
a son always looks for his mother.
And when he finds her,
the victory is complete.
Author’s Notes:
This poem was inspired by a powerful public moment from a recent college football game. It is shared here as a work of creative expression, celebrating the universal bond between mothers and sons. No names, images, or affiliations are included, and no endorsement is implied.
The title, Victory Formation, refers to football’s final play, when the quarterback kneels in a protective alignment and lets the last seconds run off the clock, sealing the win. Written in free poetic form, this poem relies on rhythm and imagery rather than rhyme or meter.
Nicely done. The tough guys ain’t so tough when Mom is involved.
Been there.
Mom indeed makes children out of grown men… I’ve been there too. Thanks for reading, Dave.
Wow! Jim, this is outstanding! I felt like I was part of the crowd cheering him on. As a mother of a son, there is that special bonding whether it shows up during a sporting event or in everyday life. All mothers are blessed to have that kind of relationship with their sons.
As a son who always looked for mom, I know that bond runs deep. Thank you for the kind words, Judy.
Welcome home!
Jamison,
You have that special touch. I’ve yet to read a post from you that hasn’t tugged at my heartstrings or put me in touch with emotions I haven’t revisited in a while.
My mom died in 1987, and I miss her every day.
I was not an athlete, but both of my brothers were. Both were captains of their football teams, and I recall being proud of their accomplishments.
Most of all, though, I remember the beaming smiles they had after every game — the connection they had with our mom was something special! Dad would clap them on the back and say, “Good game.”
Ah, but even at a tender young age, I could feel the unspoken bond between each of my brothers and our mom. It went beyond words — until now!
Thanks for posting this. It builds so beautifully, and as I approached the final stanzas, my eyes were glistening!
As always, your review is amazing, K.! Thank you!
You always seem to make all your writings so interesting. Growing up I did not have a mother or father that watched my track meet competition meets. So I find it interesting to experience this through your eyes and words.
Dick, many don’t have (never had) a mother to look for during major life events. Thankfully, like you, they turned out to be great people. While you were not blessed with that special bond, we are all blessed that you overcame it and are with us now. Thank you, my friend.
You had me with every word. I never played a competitive sport, but no matter what was going on, my Mother was there in the back of my mind encouraging, loving, and saying ‘you can do it’, God is with you.
Moms are indeed the encouragers we look for in life’s twists and turns. What a blessing. Thank you, Jane.
Oh my HOW TRUE!!!!!!! that piece will resonate with EVERY athlete that ever competed. Every track meet, swimming pool or football field, I could hear my Mother shouting my name “ Come on Bill you can do it”. If there were 2000 people in the stands I could hear her encouragement and as I crossed the finish line the hug I wanted most was from my MOM!!! My entire life all I wanted to do was to please and receive acknowledgement from both of my parents.
Love ya Pal
What a fantastic review!
Like you, I always looked for my mother when things were really good—or really bad. I only wish I had looked for her more during the times in between…
Many, many thanks.
Brings tears to our eyes. So very heart warming. ……your writings keep getting more and more exceptional. God truly gave you a great writing gift.
God is indeed good, Donna. Thank you for the kind and generous words.