Mr Hockey

I can't remember a play from when a boy
highlighting the winged hero
i don't remember him in the overtime sixth
game of the stanley cup against the habs

With the commentator saying,"crozier is headed
for a nervous breakdown"
i tried to picture the red knight - plate armored,
helmeted, with large glove and blocker shield

In my mother's place in the dark hallway
at the front door with a small suitcase,
sobbing, repeating she was sorry,
my father helping her to the car

I don't recall the winged hero in this game
only the pocket rocket on a late breakaway
the puck tumbling from the red knight
trickling over the goal line

It was more a feeling - his steadfastness
i remember him playing with his two sons
for hartford

In flight, swooping down the far boards
hovering, sweeping the puck from backhand
to forehand in one fluid motion
into the open net

The goalie standing at the other post, eyes
wide in the slit of the visor
in awe at how gracefully he'd ben slain