One Happy Warrior

 The Dubs are back doing the work of Dubs, winning NBA Championships. My wife Melanie and I watched and cheered as the Warriors, led by a brillian offensive performance by Steph Curry and a relentless defensive performance by Andrew Wiggins steadily and convincingly out-smarted the athleticism of the Boston Celtics. I was surprised after the game, watching the presentation ceremony how demonstrative Curry was, who even when excited is not overly emotional. This Championship must hve meant a lot to him, perhaps more than any ohers. Perhaps it had something todo with the pervious two horrivic losing seasons, that and perhaps having the Core triple sec vets of Splash Brothers and Drayone back together healthy. And perhaps it had to do with mirroring the first championship of 2015, the oen without Durant. I'm only guessing that there was someting to prove. 

What needs to be said is that as good as this tem is, next years' Warriors, barring injuries, should be stronger and deeper. The CORE vets of Curry, Thompson, Green, Wiggins & Porter will be back Poole and Little Glove, Payton ii, will return more seasoned and improved. And the roster will round out with improved rookies: 7'1' James Wiseman, first rounders Kuminga and Moody will be ready to contribute after a summer of work and a complete training camp under their belts. 

On Monday my wife and I will be in he Championship Parade again. We've been in all ofthem so far. This year we will ake my son Matthew and his son, Leo, my 10 yaar basketball playing grandson. I hope rubbing elbows with usch NBA luminaries will inspire him to continue with the sport. I will get the chance to visit with old teammates, Rick Barry, Al Attles and other NBa players from my time on the court, like the Jim Barnett. Good times, great memoires and a historic future to look forward to. 

From my upcoming new collection of poetry: Clear Path from Random Lane Press

WATCHING THE WARRIORS ON TV

      for Melanie because I promised

Of course you are right as you remind me, don't you,
that it's you sitting beside me as I watch the Warriors
play whomever. Aren't you? Because there have been 
twelve years of opponents, equal to the years we've 
been married and three ouy of four championships rings,
not on our fingers, but for us, gold wedding bands
that mean we're also winners. See my darling
how I've woven in as cleverly as Gerard Manley
Hopkins' spring rhythm, you, deserving of praise.
How could I be a fan without you by my side,
looking up occasionally from the book you're reading
to make a sly but knowledgeable observation.

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