Zene is a stock broker my dad met years ago in a meeting at the Chicken House. He became a trusted friend and adviser. He is unique. Naval Academy grad he rode around in a submarine after school. Among Zene’s hobbies is writing poetry so today I share a poem about a baseball player he once coached.
I coached a kid, his name was Charlie Joe
He used to follow me around after practice
Folks used to call him my “shadow”
He was a twelve years old
Indian Boy
Pitched like the wind
And full of joy
Until he had to go home
Lived down by the river
Had a Mom, Never met his Dad
I know he spent most of his nights alone
When I think of him I hear his laughter
But I get sad
I was more than his coach I was the
Only rock he had
I knew how he felt
Because I had a coach too
You get to know lonely
When it’s happening to you
The day I left town
And told him
I had to go
Charlie said “Coach I’m going to
miss you so”
I think of Charlie now and then
And smile when I close my eyes and imagine
That he found the end of his rainbow
Thanks, Zene for sharing.
Like most volunteer youth coaches I too remember special relationships with my players.
Hustle and do your best and you’ll likely succeed!
I’m Steve Sauder
