Olympian Poem by Bill Grace

The child took first in his sport nationally
A trinity of gold medals and almost predictable offers
'A once in a life time opportunity' the father assures me
amidst the chaos that follows.
It is an eight year game plan.
The word 'Olympic' is in the fancy title.
A strange sadness comes upon me.
The child of fourteen projecting great destiny at fifty four.
Dad is going to the Olympics, Junior has to tag along.
I secretly grieve and say nothing.
Forty five years in and out of therapy,
These waters of burnished ambition are known too well.
I will say nothing but I will grieve
The murder of a childhood
Where peculiar talent and circumstance had a wedding
Made a union where this child never stood a chance.