Down all the days

Down all the days,
wrote Christie Brown
as he doggedly typed
with his left toe,
the only part of his body
he could control.

Down all the days,
body flying,
thrashing,
falling,
battling
against forces
uncontrollable.

Down all the days,
rock and a hard place?
So close,
yet so far to go.
Make mistakes,
back up
and try again.

Down all the days,
different colors,
different places,
in a strange place
after all.

Down all the days,
covered in armor
for protection.
Listen to them jeer,
listen to them cheer.

Down all the days,
from humble beginnings,
do your best,
try again.
Almost, almost, almost.

Down all the days,
or, should it be
downs all day?
Makes no difference now.
Pittsburg won.

(Only the first verse is about Christie Brown. The rest refer to yesterday's Super Bowl, yet the struggles of football players in a small way reflects those of Mr. Brown. I strongly recommend "Down All the Days" by Mr. Brown. It is an inspirational tale of determination and perseverance. Forget the movie--go to the original source.)