This poem, “Still Playing” emerged from a 30-minute writing challenge using a list prompt on ‘failure.’ I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever faced setbacks, and I hope you enjoy reading.

‘still playing’

failure, is a twisted teacher,

a beautiful lesson

backhand compliment, a blessing in disguise…to the wise

stuck by my side, a constant reminder

the honest friend

it’s the coach yelling, “get back in the game, you can still play!”

but, damn…life’s red card,

caution

a chance to adjust

but listen, it’s all about what you do next

freeze? fold? hell no.

failure’s just your inner roar, primal and raw

a “get up, you damn fool!” from the future you

not this you, stuck in the moment

but the you who can soar, beyond your current perception

failure asks “what am I teaching you?”

failure asks “what do you know?”

failure admits “it’s been inside you all along”

failure is the winner in you relentlessly calling your name

it’s the hungry wolf at your door, teeth bared

a howl at the night that says, “your time is now.”

all you needed to do was see that morning has come

those dim sunbeams? they were always there

failure just ripped the blindfold off your eyes.

a silent reminder? nah, failure is a damn fire alarm.