BEFORE YOUR TEAM CAN WIN

BEFORE YOUR TEAM CAN WIN

and so
they spoke

the football gods
the ones
that are there
not the ones
were elected

told us
     that this shithousery final
was what
we wanted, what
we always wanted

what defines
in essence
the beautiful game

not sentimental stuff
like twenty year old way
back then
Leo Messi
cradling that little
African Arab baby
Lamine
Yamal

said this is the rough stuff
rules are only
for the rich
and powerful

what
you begged for
and so, we gave you,
at the home
of gridiron
    of the New York
Giants
could you have asked
                for more?

unless, lovers of defense
that you are
      unsatisfied by extra time
only the cataclysm
of penalties
would
   be enough to sate you

chance to
   leave it

in our laps
   who in truth
          do not care for your trophies
and medals and
State sports washing
all those
things infants and
infantinos
hold
   so close to their hearts

we
love
    the irresistible craziness
of the game
when it becomes fluid,
full-flowing

ten goals
   in ninety, beauty
wizardry
off the charts

but
   not what
is demanded
for victory, for joy
for
   mere mortal perspective
on this
game of games

when
    things fall as they must
before
your team can win