when it was just a game

it's not

just a game anymore.

it's about God and country.

support the troops,

the sky full

of jets,

flags

and songs. confetti

and fireworks 

in the air.

gorging ourselves

with  food

and drink.

cold beer.

religion and sex.

money

all wrapped into one

red white and blue

affair.

we're supposed to admire

these men

in gladiator uniforms,

most uneducated

and wealthy

beyond the norm. we're

supposed to make them

role models

for our children, worship

the ground

they walk on.

it's hardly

about the game anymore.

i miss the game.

a few guys on the field,

in the mud,

tossing the ball around.

drawing plays in the dirt.

playing until

the sun went down.