NEPHART.COM

My friend asked me

which team I support

this World Cup

I smiled

because I knew

my answer would not fit

on any jersey

I support myself

for keeping my eyes open

late into the night

watching the game

stretch into extra time

with racing thoughts

and a heart full of adrenaline

my eyes becoming a little tired

but still searching

for those beautiful moments

that stay forever

inside my memory

I support the player

who spent years dreaming

of standing on that field

the one who scores the winning goal

and the one who sits on the bench

waiting for a chance

I support the tears

of those who leave early

because defeat hurts most

when someone has given everything

I clapped for every team

every player

who gave their best

no matter the country

the geography

or the colour of the jersey

because beneath all the flags

and all the differences

there are just humans

chasing a dream

on the same field

I support the fans

who travel thousands of miles

to carry their hopes

into a stadium

where strangers become family

for ninety minutes and more

I support my heart

for being brave enough

to feel the emotions

of those who win

and those who lose

because every match

holds a story

bigger than the score

I support myself

for listening to the noise

from news

social media

and conversations

all the predictions

all the debates

all the endless opinions

but for a while

people forgot their usual worries

and found something

to celebrate together

I support myself

for keeping my mind clean

no biases

no prejudices

no hatred

just the joy

of watching people

give everything they have

I know FIFA will not send me money

for staying awake

no team will give me a medal

for cheering

and no trophy

will ever have my name on it

but when I see someone rise

when I see someone achieve

when I see a dream come true

my heart celebrates

as if

I have lifted

the trophy myself