I wish you could have seen me play –
seen me transform into something I’m not
like a werewolf on a full moon.
I wish you could have seen the momentary triumphs and defeats
but most of all the competitive instinct, determination and pride.
The goals, the assists, and the subdued celebrations that followed –
a subtle sign of respect for the other side

I wish you could have seen me make mistakes,
seen me get burned, seen me fall down, seen me get hurt.
I wish you could have seen me get back up each time.
You see, there is a raw resilience I have not displayed anywhere else –
something primal that simultaneously calls for my best and my worst.
I could not expect you to understand
but I do wish you could have seen me play.