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One goal was enough

to make me cheer,

to leap from my seat.

Though the air was nippy inside,

my heart soon raced with joy

and brought all the heat.

The ball deflected every time,

sometimes from the goalie’s hand,

sometimes from the bar.

My friend pulled in,

honked from his car.

He joined me, wondering

why the ball

wouldn’t kiss the net.

I said, “Maybe it’s not ready yet.”

Hope and fear

were in every breath,

the crowd held on

without regret.

Then just before the final whistle met,

the captain struck

and sealed the net.