Professional athletes have it all, right?
Millions of dollars, just to play games; It must be nice.
Any sadness or worry is all pushed out of sight
Because of the reporters and fans sticking to them like rice,
Or all the money that makes everything alright.
It’s all great. But with it comes a hefty price.

Aside from the ongoing pressure from the crowd
To provide for the city across their chest,
The biggest challenge comes where it’s less loud,
Off the court and at home, like a bird in its nest.

Mental illness can affect anyone, these athletes aren’t immune
To the troubles that plague their lives that seem perfect.
The sad thing is that many fans and news outlets are out of tune
And unaware of how their actions conflict
With the players’ well being every day, night, and afternoon.

Being held under such a massive microscope can be a blessing
And a curse. But the latter is very important to understand
Because comprehension of this could be the beginning
Of treating athletes as more than puppets who wear a headband.