“Basketball” By Matt Hubert © 2005

Out on the hardwood, the pavement, or tile,
somewhere in the gym, the arena, or dome,
place me on a basketball court, and I’ll smile
as I make it my new personal home.

Because out on the court I am confident and free.
With that ball, I am no longer afraid.
I’ll drive to the hoop, or pull-up to pop a three,
and if it’s my shot, on my court, it’s made.

Just give me a ball, a hoop, and some space,
and I’ll be all right for the night, any place.
Just give me the rock, a rim, and no more,
and I’ll be fine shooting ’til quarter past four.

I don’t care if they’re bigger, or faster, or strong
because I’ve been hearing that stuff for too long.
They might have it all, but they don’t have what I’ve got,
that “Basketball Jones” like Barry White and Chris Rock.

I’m a student of the game, always looking to learn,
always ready to play, always waiting my turn.
Any level, any skill, any players, any drill.
When it comes to basketball, it’s written in my will.

Dreams of NBA stardom, may be dreams these days,
But that same professional desire will never go away.
Whether playing one-on-one at home or three-on-three away,
if there’s a game and a ball, don’t doubt that I will play.

My love of the game is something special like Magic,
an unconditional love everlasting and true.
So you can bet at my funeral, when I’m long gone and dead
that I’ll still manage to hold that follow-through.

To me the game is sometimes an escape.
It’s as much fun as life can provide
because in the intensity of the competition,
all other thoughts are forced to subside.

And when the time comes for that last second shot,
I’ll always want the ball in my court
because while basketball isn’t life, like it or not,
it’s still my all-time favorite sport.