Undying

I came across this quote in Banksy's book 'Wall and Piece' and it inspired me to write a piece about an old friend who was gunned down in his senior year of high school

"They say you die twice, once when you take your last breathe, and the other when someone says your name for the last time" -Banksy

We remember

Hooping with him

Sprinting up the court

Conducting music with his fingertips

And the rock, his conductor’s baton

A stutter step

Dancing with ballerina grace

Creating momentary disillusion

Repainting the floor

With the sweat of his defender

Down by two

Burning the clock

Eyes on the target

He throws up a prayer

A very wet prayer

Buzzer beater

The crowd, with triumphant jubilee

Rises to their feet

Chanting one word, Londell

We remember

And because of this

You are never truly dead

R.I.P. Londell Byrd

Author's Note

This poem is describing the final seconds of a basketball game, for Londell loved basketball and we both played back in elementary school so I thought it was fitting. It uses a lot of basketball slang/lingo. comments and what not are always welcome =)

Reviews

[_mal]

A beautiful tribute