Ode to the King

This past week the sports world was preoccupied with the free agency of NBA star, LeBron James. Actually, it seemed like nearly everyone was watching this story. A primetime, one-hour “live” ESPN special on Thursday night broadcast LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland for Miami . The next day an open letter to fans from an angry Cavaliers owner made its way virally around the Internet. In a word, it was all a bit “surreal”. Which prompted me to wonder about the leadership implications of this media and fan frenzy. Thus my brief “Ode to the King”, King James that is.

He towers tall on courts of paint and wood
To shoot an air-pumped ball through hoop and net.
His skills no one would dare dispute nor should
While champions rings elude his hands as yet.

From high school to the pros, a leap of faith
He took; smooth did he make the passage look.
Some thought he would be sure to fail the test
While others cheered and hoped for his success.
And so his loyal jesters crew did grow
Fans, media, each with one request...
To win it all.

Alas, poor Cleveland did not wear the crown
In spite of King James and his royal court.
They lost each playoff battle large and small
And a chance to be the best in their appointed sport.

So with his future now in doubt, we watched
As King James entertained his suitors all.
Each came with gifts of fame and fortune sweet
To lure him off to better lands away.
New York, Chicago, Cleveland made their play
But in the end he chose Miami’s Heat.

Methinks King James may never wear a crown
For ego doth seem more and more his need.
The best at sport or business leaders all
Defer of self so team can full succeed.

Inspiring leadership is rare indeed,
So scarce that few if any know the way.
A spark, its flame, the torch for all to see,
These are not common sights.
I grieve that King James does not know
How weak his legacy will someday be.

My ode ends without answers to my quest,
King James as leader, still must pass the test.