“The Fish That Saved Los Angeles” By Matt Hubert © 2004

Four tenths of a second:
Scarcely long enough to blink
but long enough to change the
outcome of one game, the
fortunes of two teams, and the
emotional well-being of thousands.

Duncan’s desperation fade-away falls
like a dagger into the heart of L.A.
But time heals all wounds, and
four tenths is still time.

Payton inbounds to D. Fish,
and with a flick of the wrist
blissful victory and agonizing defeat
swap places on the sidelines.

Lakers run like school children out for summer.
Fans who yelled in shock, anger and disgust
scream again in awestruck jubilation.
Four tenths of a second:
barely long enough to breathe,
lasts forever in highlights and history.