WIN, PLACE AND SHOW

Though the year began in Tampa - the cold winter wind blew,

I was letting people beat me down, forgetting the me that I knew,

They ripped my heart out after stomping me down,

Every day I was put down, all I could muster was a frown,

I thought I was the most pathetic loser that had ever walked in this town,

I had given up my self determining throne, relinquished my rightful gleaming victory crown,

And Never EVER thought that all I could do was more then JUST simply show...how that crisp, demeaning cold blistery wind did blow

Sat there in the chair, received a call from someone who cared he caused me to smile, I would win once again I thought it would take such a long while,

Things started shaking, progress we were definitely making,

Before I knew it, I stuck ahead, for that week I sailed as the Captain of the Jose Gaspar then on to the next level and I WON beating down my own devil, paid the cost then I won yet I lost but most importantly I learned - within me a new fire burned - the tide had turned yes I smiled as I did know - Because I won and placed and not just only showed!

New experiences meeting new people,

Teaching new students while being still being a student myself,

The Almighty kept my ego in check,

Giving me days to look like a fool - when I thought too much that I was the best and better then all the rest, the Big Cheese upstairs put me to the test - oh, yeah I survived the lesson and learned and snoozed for some much needed rest.

Encountered The General, The Empress and the Sage - they helped the team to succeed even at times when we didn't believe and through all the pain we emerged - we did achieve and I found out that I had found me a home could no longer say I was alone - now those belittlers would see me hum a totally different tone!

Because -

Together, we achieved MORE then ever before,

Now people know when I come through the door,

I believe in what I am fighting for,

It is a fact that is undeniably so,

For this year I learned that as an individual and as a part of a team -

I can help people reach for their dream,

And in the process of doing so,

Learning that I can WIN as well and PLACE and SHOW.

Joel Maurice Verlin 9/7/01

(c), 2001, Joel Verlin