September 9, 1943-May 15, 2007
Long before he got his degree, Bill Clark
would lift off the swimming pool’s concrete court
those summers at War Memorial Park,
proving through basketball’s electric sport
he’d already mastered engineering.
The sphere would slip smoothly from his two hands
through the rim’s metal net; left me cheering
or scowling, whatever the score. He’d stand
laughing, calling, “Man, you’ll never stop me!”
No one ever did, really. He dashed on
to finish college, married a beauty,
built family, business, reputation,
not missing a shot throughout the long game.
I still smile every time I hear his name.
Roger Armbrust
May 17, 2007
