The Coach
On what should’ve been a happy day
Of young players on the court,
Turned into a different scrimmage
Of parents in discord.
When they realized the game
Would soon be lost,
They shouted at the coach
And shook their fists.
It's all your fault.
Play only the best
Leave the others on the bench
We want this championship
They felt they knew
The game rules by heart
Better than any coach or referee.
Thinking only of a trophy
But this coach stuck to his plan.
They'd all take their turn on the court.
Players would have their chance,
From the best to the worst.
Yes, he played them all,
Even the little squirt,
Cheering each of them on
For their hustle or good play.
When mistakes were made,
He didn’t yell at them,
Just smiled big or grinned
Then explain a better way
All the coach asked
Of these young players
Was to play their best and
Remember these words
"It's not if you win or lose
But how you play the game.”
Teamwork is a learned skill
It’s supposed to be that way.
Although the score
Didn’t show it on that day,
This team won in a bigger game
Despite some parents dismay.