ISLANDER by Liza Birkenmeier (curated and compiled from NHL Commentary 2017-2018)
1. OCTOBER MAN You can feel my breathing you can feel my excitement rough transitions through the decades half-empty promises a 23-year-long drought getting endlessly pushed around by my crosstown rivals worst of all, I had to say goodbye to my home of forty-three years forced out some friends abandoned ship and those that remained were tried, time and time again— My friends have been through a lot Life as my friend hasn’t been easy. but everything I’ve been through has only sharpened my resolve and I’ve had some good times the three main objectives for me number one: start out strong from the gate two: secure the future three: convince John to stay this year is the time to switch gears let go of past transgressions let’s come out fifteen-thousand strong and show everybody that my friends are in it until the very end this year, I need you more than ever let’s rock because we’re not just ordinary friends we’re friends with resolve we’re friends with purpose and loyalty I’ve weathered through the storm now let’s bask in the light that follows it all starts this year, and it all starts on October seventh THE NATIONAL ANTHEM (sung by a guest) oh say, can you see? etc. The word that’s been kicked around is desperation.