Thank You Coach Herb Brooks!!

We lost a special person - A coach through and through
You won their young hearts - In a way that very few do
You not only led by example - Always walking the walk
But you were never too busy - Just to sit down and talk!!

Though some disagreed with you - On the mechanics of the game
None challenged your sincerity - Or tried to blacken you name
In Minnesota, you were Mr. Hockey - And even you were unaware
How much we all respected you - And the game you loved to share!!

I personally remember - When my little boy would exclaim
"I'm going to Herb Brooks Camp" - At seven, that was his claim to fame
And he always returned home excited - And each year he improved
But what we noticed most - Any bad attitude had been removed!!

For you taught your kids to play - Quite hard and always to win
But when a loss occurred - Shake your opponent's hand with a grin
You were always looking - For a smarter way to play the game
And that's how you did it - In "1980" to world acclaim!!

You were the great motivator - Knowing when and how to get tough
But also knowing when to pamper - Recognizing when they'd had enough
Maybe your most famous quote - The one that increased your fame
"Gentlemen, It will be with you the rest of your life - If you lose this game"!!

Coming from behind they beat Finland - As you left the arena in haste
When asked about your exit - Once again you showed your good taste
"It was their moment in history - For it was they who won the game"
Later you choked up teary eyed - Without an ounce of shame!!

You never lost track of your roots - Always loyal to St. Paul's "East Side"
And they returned that loyalty - You gave them quite the exciting ride
Never one to miss a chance - To talk to a stranger on the street
And when little kids asked a question - Warm, loving eyes they'd meet!!

It was such a tragic loss - As the hockey world was quick to say
Turning out from near and far - On a hot and mournful day
But even as you moved on - Leaving a legacy of which you can be proud
You left us one last message - "Buckle UP" so clear and loud!!
©Bud Dauphin/www.rhymelines.com

(Showing the 1980 Olympic Gold Medal to Minnesota fans.)