The Gong Lame
Or, the Long Game
The long game means being alone.
The long game means facing your own pain.
The long game means pressure and threats.
The long game means saying no to most things — and most people — most of the time.
The long game means being misunderstood.
The long game means losing money. Sometimes.
The long game means taking chances.
The long game means getting frustrated.
The long game means being a fool.
The long game means ugly struggle.
The long game means courage.
The long game means taking hits, and taking hits, and taking hits, and taking more hits.
The long game means, when the award comes, it’s gonna feel good. Of course it’s gonna feel good. But it will never feel as good as every night that came before it. Sinking your teeth in. Driving your foot into the ground. Pushing.
I know this because I’ve been playing the long game for a long time.
And I am not done.
Swivels in, Swivels out.
