Poem: Michael Vick's Conditional Return

Michael Vick
Back in the NFL, a revitalized, reformed man
Out of his prison jump suit and back into an NFL uniform
Midnight Green as a Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, D-McNabb’s backup
His longtime friend, now mentor as the reinvention of one of the NFL’s most dazzling, exciting open field players begins
Amid speculation
Of what can Vick still accomplish with his sleek-feet and strong arm
Given that he’s still athletic, described as lightening in a bottle by his new teammate, center Jamaal Jackson
And, yes, Vick can still fly, still has grace
And ambition?
Oh, we’re all waiting to see
Waiting to see if, after a 23-month federal prison sentence, he can still take over a game
Make defensive linemen look like they’re stuck in quick sand
Linebackers nearly break their ankles trying to tackle him
Yes, with intrigue, curiosity, we all wait
Dog owners, dog lovers, whether they hate him or not
Waiting to see if he can dash and flash, still knows how to slash
And all, you see, for the very reason that helps our country heal
That being sports, that being the power and appeal of an athlete
For sports is the ultimate healer
Can help clear demons
Can help rectify
And Michael Vick has a whole lot of rectifying to do for his merciless past crimes with dogs
But he paid his dues, spent his time behind bars, lost millions and marketing power
His life will never be the same again
But he’s back in the NFL, the game he’s always loved
Will play before and perhaps delight fans in Philly who once cheered against him
Some may boo in his NFL debut against him
But after one touchdown or two, one elusive open field move, electrifying run
We’ll all see how much perception of Vick changes
May not be fast, but every man deserves the chance to prove his remorse
To prove that he’s rehabilitated
To prove that he can be a positive influence in life away from the field as well as on it
Both major keys to the full comeback of Michael Vick
A great football player again, and we can all only hope, a better man
At peace within himself
His criminal acts behind him
Life, the NFL ahead,
And perhaps forgiveness by people who now say that hate him
But that is not God’s way
So, if Vick is indeed reformed, remorseful
Then his return to the NFL deserves to be more welcomed than hated.