CONTENDER

I coulda been a contender

Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy

“On The Waterfront”

When Terry Malloy opened up

to his brother Charley

he was fully aware

of his own limitations.

He might have laid claim

to becoming a champion

but his only aspiration

was to be a contender.

To be given the opportunity

to challenge for bigger things.

Maybe he would have failed

and then title been

a step too far

but he would have had his shot

and you can’t ask for more

Terry Malloy might have been

a washed-up former boxer

bur he knew enough

not to ask too much

of a cold uncaring universe