Rugby

• Max Faapoi, Grade 4
• Poetry
• 2022

Nerves ignite upon my body -
Singing the national anthem out loud.
Pride running through my veins
The home crowd has journeyed and goes into flames.

I feel the heatless night
Hearing the referee’s whistle, “Game on!”
I could taste glory ahead of me
Knowing we could touch that trophy.

Trudging back to the shed with disappointment
Not prepared for what's next.
The spit and words blur with a frenzy
“Focus! Useless! Butter fingers! Pull your head in!”

The referee’s whistle blasts into the night
Try, after try, after try!
All tied up 46-46, we could win,
We get the drop goal, we win the grand final, the crowd goes crazy!