“In the words of Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba Out,’ but in the words of us, ‘Not Forgotten.’”  Lebron James

By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2020  

First published in the Spring 2020 Edition of the Pennsylvania Literary Journal

Your indomitable spirit lit the way,
Inspiring people in both work and play,
To persevere, excel and pursue perfection,
Challenging their limits through self-reflection;
 
Your yeoman service lifted your team,
Motivating players to fulfill their dream,
Wresting the title from fierce Celtic foes,
Sweet victory eclipsing prior Finals’ woes;

You encapsulated winning in all its glory,
Your name writ large in Lakers Nation’s story,
5 World Championships, 18 All-Star games,
An Emmy, an Oscar and golden Olympic flames;

You played through injuries of all types,
Unflinchingly earning all of your stripes,
Defying naysayers who predicted an early demise,
Each time life knocked you down, you did gallantly rise;

Overcoming a ruptured Achilles and torn rotator cuff,
You returned to the lineup, determined and tough,
Never yielding to pity, pain or self-doubt,
You held your head high, resilient and stout;

Your painstaking study of legends, from Magic to  Jerry West,
Elevated the level of your game yet higher above the rest,
You exemplified greatness in every facet and role,
As coach, athlete and mentor, bringing fire and soul;

You cherished your wife and four daughters tenderly,
Vanessa, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka and Capri,
Coaching them for hours in the art of the game,
More important than glory, money and fame;

When we reflect upon the journey of your life,
Its unthinkable end cutting us like a knife,
May we sense amidst the unspeakable sorrow,
The love that you brought us and hope for tomorrow.