The whole world seems to hold its breath as they wait,
Poised like statue versions of their usually energetic selves
Their legs itching to run
Their arms itching to sweep the ball into the back boards of the goal
The air is cold and crisp, adding an extra pep in everyone’s step,
And the sky is a perfect watercolor,
Dripping golden light onto the trees surrounding the field.
With silver light shining down on them
They pour their hearts out in the artificial daytime
They run
They cheer
They encourage
They tackle
They leave pices of themselves on the field
Every ball they run to is a new chance to change the game
To create something
Every shot is a hope
And every pass is another chance.
They work together
Their hearts are beating out of their chests but they keep running
They never stop because they need this
They all need this.
It’s beautiful and sometimes they take it for granted
How effortlessly they can count on each other for support
Running until they can’t anymore
Using all that they have and putting it towards the goal
Always on their toes
Thinking ahead.
They may not always win
But they play with their hearts
And their souls
They play for nights like these
And they play with the hope that the next time will be better
And they work.
They work until every ounce of their beings ache and they want to give in
But they don’t.
They want it more than anyone
And this year, this is the year.
They need to believe it too.
This is the game they love
This is the game they will always love.