I wrote this last July on the 5th anniversary after a mini-maze operation restored my heart to normal rhythm. After all that time the absolute desperation I felt back then is still with me.
My Hail May:
5 years ago today
I stood on the 1 yard line
Back to the goal
Seconds remained to play
2 Seattle cardiologists concluded
Victory chances were none
A heart expert in Indianapolis
Designed an end run
5 points behind
Beaten up severely
Do or die time
Charged up sincerely
Relaxed and positive
Again, again, again
Can still do it
Can still win
Ready to fight
Never give up
Never concede
Over and over and over
Believe, believe, believe
Under a cloud of hovering gloom
Through a thick freezing fog
An invisible goal
Bid to me through the bog
Field covered
With ice and snow
In control, in control
In control
All was set
The ball was snapped
My linemen struggled forcefully
Against a wall of fear, anger, bitterness,
And negativity
Time stood still
I drew back
Frozen hands
Launched the ovoid
It sailed high and long
Into the milky void
Suddenly I was down
Hit hard from all sides
Blacked out
Woke in CCU the next day
The message of victory
Sent to Fay
Overwhelming
Tears of joy so rare
Doors suddenly flew open
A rush of fresh air
So pure and sweet
Ran back out into the world
Born again
To live
And compete