There's Been A Change In The Lineup Today

For anyone who has ever been bullied, pushed around, or pressured, this heartfelt, entertaining poem about opting out of the games bullies play is meant for you. Note: This poem uses football as a point of comparison. I have nothing against football.

Transcript

To all the bullies who pull people down,

Listen up and huddle around.

There's been a change in the lineup today.

You can play offense.

I'll be on my way.

You can yell,

Fight,

Fight,

For all the old same.

Put on your jerseys that shout out your name,

Then crash through this life like you do every day,

Pushing down others who get in your way.

Let's check those numbers and watch the replay.

By all accounts,

It was a rough day.

There was that fumble at the start of the third,

When you shouted at us.

Yeah,

It thinned out the herd.

But for all those times you've charged at me,

Anyone in a helmet looks tougher on TV.

Pat your teammates' behinds and spit in the green,

Then take home your earnings for being so mean.

So why are we standing by the lockers that stink?

To hear an odd poem about football,

You think?

This ain't Lambeau Field.

No one shouts out your name.

Only other bullies have given you fame.

So the rest of the season,

How will it go?

The national anthem,

The halftime show,

Commercials that cost a million bucks?

Doesn't really sound like it sucks.

To all those who bully and scam and deceive,

Your world's not as big as you've been led to believe.

You've only got two goal posts and some stadium seats,

Where gum still sticks from the playoffs' 03.

Your season is short and your fans wear foam fingers.

But here's my message,

And I hope it lingers.

I know this all means a lot to you,

This pushing,

Insulting,

And harming you do.

In these last minutes,

At the game's final end,

Are you surrounded by bullies or friends?

Those who don't rage,

But love with their hearts,

Never really care when the season starts.

We're tough and strong for more than the fall.

We need no more padding than love after all.

Go back and fight-fight for all the old same.

The rest of us don't have to play in your game.

And I've already started forgetting your name.

Reviews

FREAKING BRILLIANT!!!!
I really love this. How very clever and sharp your words are. Succint. Insightful. And beautiful. Thank you for sharing

The sports theme analogy is relatable. Encouraging for a meeting at work with a few characters that play games.

Dang, this is fantastic! Needs to be shared more!

Well done!!!!! Love this.