Let's Go!  Jeff Go!

By James Mar

Let's go!  Jeff Go!
Keep going, don't slow.

Let's go! Jeff Go!
Don't blink twice, flow.

Jeff Go was a boy who loved to play sports.
No matter the game, he loved all sorts.

From basketball to volleyball, no sport could do wrong.
"I like football and baseball and especially ping pong!"

As an athlete, he really wasn't the best.
But as a child, he loved it nevertheless. 

Jeff played and played wherever he went.
He played and played to hearts content.

He passed.  He dribbled.  He leaped.  He soared.
He ran.  He jumped.  He shot.  He scored!

Mother and father encouraged their son.
"We don't mind too much, so long as it's fun."

"When you're growing up, it's good to stay fit.
Children need exercise, and plenty of it."

"Our main concerns are his health and motivation.
We don't want to lead him into hurt and frustration."

One day, Jeff received a letter and got all excited.
"There's a ping pong competition and I'm invited!"

Entering the contest, he came ready to compete.
"Playing in this tournament is going to be sweet!"

Using his head, he was off to a good start.
Every game he played, he played it smart.

Making the playoffs increased the competition.
It paved the way onto stiffer opposition.

Game after game he fought at a furious pace.
He ran here, there, and all over the place. 

Round after Round, there was lots of suspense.
"This match is crazy!  It's just too intense!"

To Jeff's delight, he reached the final round.
"This is so cool, I'm going to be crowned!"

With the prize on the line, Jeff served in a flash.
With a single blow, his rival threw down a smash!

Jeff twisted his body and dove for the ball. 
He made a mistake and had a bad fall.

Within the crowd, there was lots of fright.
"Is he ok?  I hope he's all right..."

His parents raced down in a bit of a scare.
They sought to bring down their comfort and care.

Jeff pointed to his ankle and stayed on the floor.
"I'm done for this match...  I can't play anymore."

The referee came over and examined the situation.
He called the game off, without hesitation. 

With plenty of poise, Jeff stood himself up.
Knowing then and there, he had lost the cup.

Seeing him stand, the crowd cheered and rose to their feet. 
Jeff smiled and waved, accepting gracious defeat.

Losing that day, he was neither angry nor very upset.
For he knew none of his efforts would lead to regret. 

"Every game I played helped me advance.
Most of my skills were really enhanced!"

His opponent came over, wanting to connect.
He shook Jeff's hand and said, "Dude, I gotta respect."

To Jeff's heart, it was all the same.
"What can I say?  We played a great game!"

For winning or losing was not what he stressed.
It was the drive, the spirit, and giving his best.