Just a little boy

He stands at the free throw line with heart pounding fast.
The game is tied with just seconds left, the die has been cast.
Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stands alone.
A made basket at this moment would surely send the opposing team home.
The ball meets the rim, swirls around and misses.
There’s a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses.
A thoughtless voice cries, “You can’t make it!”
Tears fill his eyes, the game’s no longer fun.
So open your heart and give him a break.
For it’s moments like this, a man you can make.
Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget.
He’s just a little boy and not a man yet.