The Final Buzzer

Goodbye to the squeaks on the hard wood,
to the whistle then, "On the line!"
and to the feeling of freedom,
bounded by desire and a gym.

Goodbye to the uniform,
35, purple, black and white,
worn proudly as a lion.

Goodbye to the ladies who shaped me,
to the feeling of unison, one
team, one pack, one den.

Goodbye to the metal rim, unforgiving, and
the net's sweet sound when I succeed. The 1,400
career points, 4 years worth.

Goodbye to the smell of dust and sweat,
the cool leather that feels so right in my hand.
The the taped ankles, jammed fingers,
poked eyes and bloody knees.

Goodbye to the traditions,
the tie dye, the Chinese food, the
bracelets we wove together... and the initiation.

Goodbye to the long hot summers at camp,
stuffy loud gyms, where I spent my
sacrificed time.

Goodbye to the community who loved the game,
to the hours of drills,
the frustration and the overcoming.

Goodbye to the announcer, "and senior guard..."
to the competition that drives me,
and the adrenaline that fuels me.

Goodbye to the peace I felt on the court,
to the belonging in a large school, and
to the tears and smiles of my teammates.

The final buzzer sounds, only to be replaced...

Hello to the tip off of college,
basketball over again.
A new venue, a new team, a new uniform, a new family,
and a new school to represent. Yet, the same sport,
and the same 8 year old girl, who fell in love with
the game.