The author and artist of this poem, Sharon Chow, submitted this work as part of a contest to nominate a Sonics fan. Sharon chose to nominate her father, Jan Wong, and created this scroll featuring not only the poem but detailed painted images of several members of the Sonics team including Lenny Wilkins (coach), Downtown Freddy Brown, Jack Sikma, Lonnie Shelton, Paul Westphal, and James Bailey. Ms. Chow won the contest and her poem was read during a Sonics halftime show. She also received two complimentary tickets to a Sonics game. Jan Wong was a noodle factory owner in Seattle's Chinatown International District during the 1950s and 1960s. The poem reads as follows:
Dear Sonics,
Introducing the hot dog Super Sonics #1 fan, my Dad.
Whether glued to the set or sitting in the dome from season to season,
Dad is always there without fail for many reasons.
For fourteen years the Seattle Super Sonics hypnotized him into remembering who placed that slam dunk or who led a fast break.
This is one habit Mt. St. Helens can't even shake.
When a game is going on don't interrupt or block his concentration or he may cite you on a moving violation.
Meals wait, no phones or any other activities are scheduled on the day they play.
While watching Jammin' James, Downton, Sikma and the rest lead on to victory way.
Poor mother has to plan her life around this Sonics nut, if she doesn't join in she might be in a rut.
His enthusiasm for the team spread like fire.
Now mother joins in with all her hearts desire.
He recruits his own family to form a mini-cheering team and pretends he is coach, yes, that is Dad's dream.
He now has his own special homecourt plan so that's why I call Dad a real Sonics fan.
Sincerely, Sharon Chow.