Hockey poem

Hockey poem
Posted on March 17, 2017 | Jim O'Grady | Written on January 28, 1990
Comments
Tags:
Hockey
NHL Playoffs
Ottawa Senators
Montreal Canadians
Murray Costello
Jim O'Grady
Larry Pennell
Letter type:
Personal

Author's Note:

Author's Note:

I first posted my father's Hockey Poem in 2013 just before the NHL playoffs. I am posting it again today, in his honour as a great Canadian Irishman, on this special day, St. Patrick's Day. Its no cooincidence the Sens and Habs will lock horns again this weekend... :) 

Jamey O'Grady, 
March 17, 2017

In honour of my father, Jim O'Grady and his love of all things hockey. Especially his two favorite teams the Montreal Canadians and the Ottawa Senators who will go head-to-head in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, I am publishing one of his poems appropriately entitled 'Hockey'. Jim dedicated this classic poem about our National past time, to four hockey moms who watched every game their kids played growing up: Gerda, Helen, Shirley and Valerie.

He also dedicated it to his cousin, former NHLer and Hockey Hall of Famer Murray Costello, and to his mentor Larry Pennell. Jim O'Grady passed away on May 17, 2008.

 

HOCKEY I ache with tension gut to spine, The moment hushed, the anthem sung;
I stare at skates I sense are mine, the puck is dropped, the game begun.
I smell the ice, so hard and cold, I cleave the wind my visor breaks;
I cease all thought of growing old, I live the youth my skating makes.
I sense the net, and cut and lean, I swoop like hawk or eagle wild;
I spin, I leap, I have not been So strong, so quick, but as a child.
A distant din booms in my ears, my eyes delight at edges’ flash;
These sights and sounds unite my years: The goalpost’s ring, the bodies’ crash.
On knife-sharp blades I turn and glide from earth-bound cares apart;
A gasp of joy to fuel my stride, And freedom dancing in my heart.

©M.J. O’Grady January 28, 1990

About The Author

Jim O'Grady

#22 Jim O'Grady
Left Wing / Lawyer / Father

BORN: July 25, 1936, Timmins, Ontario
DECEASED: May 17, 2008, Ottawa, Ontario

Jim was an Ottawa lawyer whose hockey career... More