full contact

Z-man puts the pads on today,
First day of full contact,
He doesn’t seem too thrilled at the prospect.
The boy used to be fearless on the soccer pitch,
Running at opponents full throttle,
Despite their size advantage.
Told him he needs to do the same,
Except this time there’s no pulling back,
Collision course with protective padding.
Keep your head up,
Hit them clean,
Wrap those legs.
Amazing how you feel no pain,
Enveloped in plastic padding,
Helmeted mayhem unleashed.
First clean hit and he’ll realize,
This ain’t half bad,
Knock someone’s lights out.
School-sponsored aggression,
It’s only a game
Yet so much more.
Group and social dynamics on display,
The ugliness of human nature,
The beauty of cooperation.
The intricate dance that is life,
You must experience for yourself,
Before you can draw any conclusions.
Good or bad you will see,
The lessons learned will remain,
And my son takes another step toward manhood.