On Being a Champion
a poem by Mattie J.T. Stepanek - Age 11
From the book Journey Through Heartsongs / courtesy of Oprah Winfrey

A champion is a winner,
A hero
Someone who never give up
Even when the going gets rough.
A champion is a member of
A winning team
Someone who overcomes challenges
Even when it requires creative solutions
A champion is an optimist,
A hopeful spirit
Someone who plays the game,
Even when the game is called life
Especially when the game is called life.
There can be a champion in each of us,
If we live as a winner,
If we live as a member of the team,
If we live with a hopeful spirit,
For life

September 1999
© Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek

To learn more about Mattie, or to read more of his poetry