Foundation

o ctober 21, 2018

Learned so much, throughout my life. Each phase, a part of me. But marching band’s, my foundation. Established, who I’d be.

The discipline, the music. The dedication, too. Inspired, and taught me about life. And how, to see things through.

The teamwork, and the standards. Became, my cornerstones. Though sometimes, was frustrated. The path, was clearly shown.

Sacrifices, must be made. Commitment, was required. Pre-dawn, reporting to band room. By mid-day, was so tired.

In the heat, cold, rain, and wind. In mud. On frosty field With insect bites, and sore muscles. Numb fingers. Fever. Chills.

Memorize, all the music. Each day, we’d add more drill. Countless hours, refining it. In band room. On the field.

Each week, a big performance. At games. Competitions. Please the fans. Impress the judges. Live up, to traditions.

Those long bus rides. Away games. Get home, after midnight. Up early, next day. March parade. Then more practice, that night.

At the marching festivals. Was pressure, to score well. The announcer, on loudspeaker. Those ratings, he would tell.

The thrills. The disappointments. How it, would make us feel. The joy, the grief, the smiles, the frowns. Was all part of the deal.

Learned how to deal, with success. The trophies. Small and tall. Humility taught. For at times, brought home, nothing at all.

No matter, what had happened. The next week, was the same. Take one more step. Improve ourselves. As higher, we would aim.

I have lived for many years. Band lessons, still can see. In all I do. Each stage of life. It’s still inside of me.