We had a special play for the game against Highland
Park. It was called 36X. After some razzle-dazzle in
the backfield, Mike Gentry got the ball and ran 65 yards
for the winning touchdown. Frank Sewell was a power-
ful lineman--the center, actually. I played linebacker
on defense, and I was lucky, because I played right
behind right tackle, Ted Melinick, who wound up
getting a full football scholarship to KU (the University
of Kansas). My best friend, Ralph "Sandy" Sandmeyer,
half the size of Melinck, but the most tenacious lineman
on the team, was elected co-captain. I was the other one.

It matters not at what level you play. What matters are
the memories that stay with you for a lifetime--the snapshot
memories of special moments that flash through your
mind for the rest of your days. The camaraderie of your
teammates, particular plays--tackles, touchdown runs,
interceptions, even injuries you sustain--all form an
indelible montage. My favorite memory was the one
where, as a wide-receiver on offense, I went into the
flat to catch a pass, but was intercepted by Loyce Bailey.
I jumped on his back to tackle him, but he rode me like
a saddle for 40 yards. Loyce happened to be black, and
therefore lived in the black ghetto on the east side of
Topeka. He was also the best athlete in all of Topeka.
Bailey, like Melinick, got a full ride to KU to play foot-
ball. He was their starting saftey.

Several decades later, I saw Loyce again, this time at a
reunion. I reminisced with him about my futile attempt
to tackle him. He remembered the play, and we both
laughed loud and hard. We gave each other a big hug.
Another indelible memory.  

Copyright 2020 Tod Howard Hawks

Two is the number we share in years
And when I call, she always hears
Through secret codes and hiding places
And wading through this sea of faces
Two is the number we share in years
Together, we will shed no tears.

Your mixed spray of flowers lifted me at a time when spirits were low

Pastel beauteous petals extend out like a friend’s hands extend to know

Rosebud fragrance scent my office space. Once celestial Hands did form wee seed

Now, your hands place them in a vase as you saw first your friend in need

Pale gladiolas point blossoms out, flute-formed grace artistically spread

Such beauty to praise the Artists Hand, with you as gardener, your hand is led

Love is something we do, my friend, come from depths of inner heart

Of a friend who reaches out her hand says “I care” with flowers taking part

Let joy these bring be lasting beyond time when blossoms fall

Because thoughtfulness remains unblemished, giving of oneself is best of all

The bitter sting of winter's singing howl
Drives me to seek some deep and darkling place
Far from the blizzard's scorn, the wind's embrace,
Far from the beasts who bear its brunt to prowl
In search of prey. I'll clutch close to my cowl
And cloak, beneath which hides a younger face
Than most foresee. The forecast yields no trace
Of hope for safety 'pon the road. No foul,
My fellow traveler, don't fear from me.
I'll lay my knife down well before we meet,
Before we each choke down a share of ***
Or what would pass to warm camaraderie;
I know not where I've passed, to where I've come;
I simply beg a place to warm my feet.

Laban para sa bayan
Laban sa kalayaan,
Laban sa katarungan
Laban sa katapangan

Naririnig mo rin ba?
Ang mga alingawngaw
Ng mga tao't bansa,
Nais ng makalaya

Hanggang kailan mo kaya
Lumaban sa kanila?
Kalayaan na nais
Kailan ba makakamit?

Patuloy na lalaban
Para sa kalayaan,
Huwag maging gahaman
Upang walang alitan

Minamahal kong bansa
Ipaglalaban kita,
Anuman ang mangyari
Patuloy lang ang laban.

There were two
then another
one feared the new
solitude would bring

one
plus or minus
mathematical as always
is it not?

to those reverent
toward ships
outward faced
yet ported still

'tis asked
no matter the course
or how rough the sea
wherever currents lead

"remember me"