11
Tunnel Vision

In the shin-stink of the tunnel the boys were looking at him:
the winner, so-called conquistador,
winnow-slight in his tight shorts.
Above the roar beyond the breeze blocks of the corridor,
above even that voice saying
imposter,
Nando could hear the thoughts of his teammates,
doubting him.

And then sixteen minutes are gone
and Stevie shaves the ball down the inside...
40,000 fans inhale,
sucking all the air from the stadium.
Ola, mi amigo... let us enjoy this!
Then that drunk scream of millions
As Nando scored and smiled, job done:
Blues nil. Reds one.