How was it for you

Bitter or sweet

Riding a wave

In every shot, every play

It was exhilarating from our side – behind the screen, in the seats

Watching you smash records we didn’t know could be beat

In a sea of yellow and black

Watching you shoot and attack

I lived through you long after my high school dreams ended

My basketball career wasn’t long extended

Your teammates remind me of mine

Goofing off before the game

Playing pranks

Our coach always shut it down

Why did I take it so seriously?

I wish I’d laughed more

I wish I’d reveled in March Madness galore

And gone to cheer on all the guys

Back then I didn’t realize

Those four magic years were like a candle’s flame

Or like strong legs

That time blew out and that disease left lame

I run now to try to get the same feeling

I watch games to hear the whistles and cheers

The squeaking of shoes on hardwood

But now I see thistles and 17 years passed

But sometimes when you lose it’s good

I was on the sideline

Watching the ponytails sway

Yours, for the last time

Girl, don’t work yourself away

You have a tough exterior

Though you lost, you’re not inferior

The world for now may be watching your façade

They may put their trust in you

But I implore you – put yours in God

And go get ice cream with your teammates

Enjoy the ride because it’s great

In a few years you’ll run into some girl at the airport

You’ll both be watching the big screen – March Madness – and the new basketball queen

She won’t recognize you

She’ll be wearing the new girl’s jersey

Your eyes will go blurry when you think back

She’ll ask you what you do now

You’ll feel whacked – after you tell her you once played for the title

And you’ll be like me

Not knowing if you should head for departures or arrivals