That Annoying Kid in School (who grew up to save the day)

I know we all know THAT kid in school,
The one who always got in trouble for SOMETHING--
Always elbowing someone as he passed in the hall
(but not being able to prove it);
Always tripping kids walking to lunch or the bus
(but no one dared to rat him out);
Rarely getting caught or paying the consequences.

You know--we all know--THAT kid:
He never did his homework on his own
(but never got caught looking over your shoulder)
And he didn't sweat the small stuff like grades
Or learning how to work well with others.
Because while you and others were there to learn, presumably,
He was there to teach you increased patience and determination.

It was THIS kid who saved the day the other day,
When he tripped an armed criminal fleeing a crime scene:
He was the one who had the guts to stand there,
Looking completely nonchalant, leaning on his cane,
And as that armed suspect crossed his path,
He used that skill set he had learned so long ago.

He tripped him. Perfectly timed, too.
Because his "misspent youth" was redeemed in a moment--
You and I? We wouldn't have the skills needed
To execute such an endeavor.
And you know us: we would have asked permission first.
This guy? He never learned those skills in K-8.

And that's how this guy saved the day.


https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2018/05/04/man-trips-suspect-chased-by-police-mxp.hln