Poetry in (e)motion....Ode to the Dawgs

Ode to the Dawgs....by Brad Stephens

32-28 was the final score tonight,
The numbers do not reflect the measure of our fight,
Games of chance, toughness and misdirection,
All decided by one deflection.

No chance to win, said "they," our season would be foiled,
The Crimson machine was too well-oiled
Toe to toe, we stood to face the fire,
Their dominance and Coach's ire.

Mistakes were made on both sides,
Very few upon which were capitalized
Bama must be living right, obviously
Fifty one rushes without a holding penalty.

Despite the yardage gained, we held firm and strong
Could this be the championship for which we have longed?
A blocked field goal and the lead of eleven,
Vanished like the Ark into Heaven (+1 for Raiders of the Lost Ark reference)

We ran out of gas, or time, that will be the story
Three yards away from instant glory
Questions of decision will be asked forever
Maybe our quick fade was not so clever.

Regardless of the outcome and the tears,
This will be a season discussed for years,
On the brink of disaster to number three,
Those whose heart was questioned responded appropriately.

To the seniors, whose time with us is ending,
Best wishes and good luck we will be sending
To Jarvis, thank you for coming home and leading the way,
We all hope it leads to a big April payday.

To Christian and Michael, for your strength in tough days
To Rambo, for your leadership and big plays,
To big John and Cornelius, I say,
I'll take you on my line any day.

To Tavarres King, who came into his own,
To Shawn Williams, the will to win, by you, it was shown
To Marlon Brown, we wish you the best in your recovery
And of course, Richard...your 4th quarter in Jacksonville is still legendary

Finally, to our Coach, the man behind the curtain
One whose future at times has been uncertain
Thank you for the memory of this season,
One that defied odds, skeptics and reason.

I feel a renewal taking place,
No more moral victories will we have to face,
For in 2013, I think the SEC will firmly be within our jaws,
So hunker down, you Hairy Dawgs.