Lanman Center Swish

I recognized one old friend walking with a cane and stoop

Beneath the inviting basketball hoops

When another acquaintance peered at me over his mask

I couldn’t remember his name at all, first or last

Yet he seemed to know where I lived, and wished me well

And I right back to him, for, strange to tell

The whole gymnasium where young people usually play

Was full of ambling, forgetful folks on vaccination day

Backboards folded neatly above, nets still and white as snow

Today all the shots were being taken down below

Yet as they monitored, no, guarded, me in my white folding chair

I could not have been the only one there

Looking for his spot with this, my fervent wish

Pass me the ball, one last arcing shot, one more swish