Beyond The Bench

When I was young, I was quite shy.

There were some sports I had to try.

Playing basketball was my dream,

Being part of a winning team.

Sometimes I did not play at all.

Buckets of tears began to fall.

The shadows watched me from the bench

With fears I could not seem to quench.

I was not part of the in crowd.

Voices inside me cried out loud.

I got my chance to play at last

And put my heartaches in the past.

I proved that I could play the game

And no longer felt any shame.

I left the lonely bench behind

And found a brand new peace of mind.

I conquered all my lows and highs.

My confidence began to rise.

Above the voices of the crowd,

I learned to stand up, tall and proud.