The Bench Warmer

The radio screams and the papers print reams for the player who carries the ball,
While never a word is written or heard of the players who sit through it all.

But there on the bench a dozen hearts wrench when a man goes in the fray.
They never go in, but they take it and grin—for them it’s all work and no play.

When the vacant seats stare you will find them all there in the thick of strife and the storm.
They are battered and bruised—it’s for practice they’re used—in the game they just keep the bench warm.

So take off your hat to the players who sat through the Saturday afternoon game,
and remember that they had a part in the play that to others brought glory and fame.