Nine Values in Nine Innings
Barriers are built to be broken –
For the incorruptible connection
Between ball and bat and a man and his character
Is developed in just nine innings.
To chip away at a color-blind nation –
That’s courage.
To keep scratching towards an opaque success –
That’s determination.
To start etching your own message into the field-
That’s excellence.
To begin tearing walls to a brighter tomorrow –
That’s integrity.
To destroy obstructions that divides our moral senses –
That’s justice.
To demolish restriction after restriction –
That’s persistence.
To unite behind a crumbling barrier, gloriously potent –
That’s teamwork.
To help break apart someone else’s burden –
That’s citizenship.
To stand atop the remnants of a past barrier –
That’s commitment.
Barriers are built just to be broken –
This is success.
For the incorruptible connection
Between ball and bat and a man and his character
Is developed in just nine innings.
To chip away at a color-blind nation –
That’s courage.
To keep scratching towards an opaque success –
That’s determination.
To start etching your own message into the field-
That’s excellence.
To begin tearing walls to a brighter tomorrow –
That’s integrity.
To destroy obstructions that divides our moral senses –
That’s justice.
To demolish restriction after restriction –
That’s persistence.
To unite behind a crumbling barrier, gloriously potent –
That’s teamwork.
To help break apart someone else’s burden –
That’s citizenship.
To stand atop the remnants of a past barrier –
That’s commitment.
Barriers are built just to be broken –
This is success.
♠ ♠ ♠
By winning this contest, my poem will be honored on April 15th during the Detroit Tiger's game, as it is the anniversary celebrating Jackie Robinson. Had I not joined Mibba, I would not be the writer I am today, nor would I have the confidence to submit a poem of mine into such a contest. Now an entire stadium will read my poem - which frankly I don't think is all that good - and I owe it all to you guys ^_^ God Bless!