Brief Encounter

            Near Steelers Summer Camp

I am here to tell you

Joey Porter is a big, big man.

Big, as in strong, - like a taut cable.

At the door of the local Giant Eagle,

walking too fast, eyes already on my car,

I ran right into him, a mere brush

from which I rebounded slightly,

looked up at his face,

puzzled for a second, before I knew him.

After a classic jaw-dropping moment,

I realized he preferred anonymity,

wanted just to get the toothbrush,

or whatever he came for.

We both kept going, but

my Steeler fan heart sang.

Joey Porter just walking

is an awesome force.

The meeting changed forever

my perception of the power

of a great defensive line.

It should probably be illegal

to use it.