The Crossover

At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad

People watching

Players boasting

Me scoring

Dad snoring

Crowd growing

We balling

Me pumping

Dad jumping

Me faking

Nasty shot

Nasty moves

Five–zero

My lead

Next play

Dribble bounce

Dribble steal

Dad laughs

Palms ball

You okay?

Dad winks

Watch this

He dips

Sweat drips

Left y’all

Right y’all

I fall

Crowd wild

Dad drives

Steps strides

Runs fast

Hoop bound

Stutter steps

Lets loose

Screams loud

Stands still

Breath short

More sweat

Grabs chest

Eyes roll

Ball drops

Dad drops

I scream

“Help, please”

Sweet Tea

Dials cell

Jordan runs

Brings water

Splashes face

Dad nothing

Out cold

I remember

Gym class

Tilt pinch

Blow pump

Blow pump

Still nothing

Blow pump

Sirens blast

Pulse gone

Eyes shut.