By: Douglas J. Lanzo

A Winner on Two Fronts

Dedicated to Vasiliy Lomachenko

Commanding respect in the ring
throughout his entire career,
with punishing precision,
instilling opponents with fear;

Two Olympic golds to his name,
five world titles in three belts,
a nearly unblemished record
that 400 amateurs felt;

Dubbed “The Matrix” for his moves
evading punches with ease,
he assesses weaknesses,
then stuns…causing fighters to freeze,

A master from every angle,
with the fastest gloves in the world,
pondering a world title bout,
he gazed at Ukraine’s flag unfurled;

Choosing to fight for his country
rather than face men in the ring,
he joined his homeland’s army
battling for Ukraine that spring;

After serving in the army
Lomachenko trained for the fight
to reclaim the IBF title,
summoning all of his might;

While many questioned his age,
whether his heart burned with fire,
he answered with dazzling gloves,
forcing Kambosos to retire;
standing beside bloodied fighter,
draped in Ukraine’s flag, to inspire.

As Resolute as Mama Joad

Watching The Grapes of Wrath,
pondering the journey,
of all the real-life Joads…
who blazed our westward path;

Witnessing the heartbreak
and anger near L.A.,
scenes of fires raging —
stunned sadness on display;

I recalled the last scene,
as the Joads rode away,
as her husband longed
for their home far away.

With strength in every word,
compassion for the poor,
Ma Joad spoke from the heart,
with wisdom deeply stored:

“We’re the people that live.
Can’t nobody wipe us out.”
Amen, to the people —
resettling, without doubt.

Heroism amidst Flames

Dedicated to Engineer 6 Firefighter, Tanner Mosher, whose rescued Captain said:
“You can’t teach that kind of heroism…He just had it in him.”

A wall of brush fire faced them
with great intensity —
a hurricane-swept blowtorch,
killing evacuees.

They were the fire rescue
arrived with Engine 6,
to battle the inferno,
so cars could flee the mix.

As traffic snarled around them,
many fled for their lives…
in panicked desperation:
husbands, children and wives.

With live power lines falling —
thus blocking their escape,
the brave crew blasted their hose
into smoke-filled landscape.

Overpowered by the heat
the hose burnt in the fray,
forcing the crew to shelter
in the engine and pray.

Intending final message,
their Captain texted his wife —
that he loved her and his children…
but doubted for his life —
a text that never reached them
in the midst of his strife.

Then the youngest of the crew
decided to be bold….
exiting the melting truck
with courage to behold,
jumping into a Skeeter
and over burnt cars rolled —
launching over a rock wall,
dodging obstacles untold…

A scorching mile down the road,
he came to an SUV…
manned by a policeman,
who offered him the keys.

Returning to the engine —
leaping cars and the rock wall,
he evacuated crew
saving seven men in all,
including their Captain —
unconscious while he stood tall.

Resuscitating Captain,
then working through the night
the crew rescued those they could,
battling with all their might.

A Fitting Tribute to the King of Clay

“You gave me a statue at Roland Garros. You made me feel like a Frenchman…my heart and memories will always be linked to this place. Thank you.” Rafael Nadal’s concluding words at his May 25, 2025 Roland Garros Tribute

A final tribute, but not farewell
to Rafa at Roland Garros —
the humblest royal that
did ever grace a court in France.

Eyes that once burned fierce
with desire, grit and self-belief
glistened brown with emotion, as
tears did soften sun-dried clay.

A tribute on Philippe-Chatrier
to show gratitude and adoration
became one filled with
Rafa’s heartfelt love and thanks,
bestowed upon the family of people
who shaped his life and game.

From his infant son held on court
to coaches, trainers and rivals
he warmly embraced,
Rafa cherished his legacy and roots.

His “family” from near and far
celebrated this gladiator from Mallorca
with cries of “Merci”, “Gracias” and “Thanks”
cascading in waves of joyful emotion.

When it seemed nothing more
could be offered to their hero,
Paris immortalized the tearful legend
unveiling his stenciled footprint on center court,
letting him know that he would
forever be with them, etched into their hearts.

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Doug is an award-winning American author and poet whose debut novel The Year of the Bear won the 2023 Ames Awards for Young Adult Books and whose second book I Have Lived was named American Book Fest 2024 Novella of the Year.  504 of Doug’s poems have been published in 86 literary publications worldwide. His Author’s website is at www.douglaslanzo.com.