Spelling Bee

I’d never heard those words before;
Their meanings were elusive.
To those upon the stage, such facts
Were merely inconclusive.

Derivations made it clear
Which letter groups were needed.
Concentration ruled – distractions
Vanished or receded.

Finalists competed with
Such fierce determination,
Anything but winning
Was a sorry consolation.

Yet gamely each one proved to be
Supportive and connected;
Though rivals, they could empathize
When someone was ejected.

I stayed up past eleven
‘Til the battle was concluded,
Delighting in the quiet joy
The champion exuded.

How wonderful that in this hi-tech
World where we are dwelling,
We still admire those rare souls
Who so excel at spelling!