Undefeated: a poem by Mike Hall

fields and sun, image by Milena M, on Pixabay, modified

Undefeated

(Inspired by cheerleader Brooke Walker)

The story airing on the news caught my eye;

I listened intently as the telling unfolded.

The loss of a foot – devastating to most –

but even more so in one so young,

seemed immeasurably sad as I sat and watched,

her future dependent on the need for two,

enabling the ability to jump and vault and lift,

the absence threatening to end prospective plans,

stalling her much-revered dreams.

But this young one was different –

a spirit undaunted . . . a spirit indomitable.

Her infectious smile lit up the screen.

I couldn’t help but smile with her.

She was unflinching in her resolve

as she spoke of overcoming this obstacle,

viewing this circumstance as a mere bump in the road.

She spoke of faith and her role in some bigger plan,

trusting that God would use this for His glory.

Her courageous spirit lifted her teammates –

inspiring them . . . encouraging them . . . reassuring them,

Her story was a message for all who watched.

A physical disability doesn’t mean a disabled spirit.

In her darkest hour, she chose to rise up,

her story the epitome of resilience –

setting the example of what could be done,

letting her life be a beacon of hope.

She would not quit . . . She would not be defeated.

_____________________________

Mike Hall is in his 45th year as a teacher

and has authored two collections of poetry,

Autumn's Back Porch and Thinking Out Loud.

His work has appeared in Pure in Heart Stories,

Solid Food Press, Clayjar Review, Modern

Reformation, Sparks of Calliope, Discretionary

Love, Foreshadow Magazine, and others.

He and his wife, Cynthia, live in the Dallas,

Texas area.

(April 2026 issue)