Poems

The Way to Cheer on your Team

The way to cheer on your team is this—
Go to the game prepared to scream.
Be very prepared to lose your voice and be prepared
to have lots of opposing team supporters stare at you.
The proper way to scream is this—
Never attempt to premeditate what you are going to scream
until you are perfectly poised in your perfect spot and the
game has officially begun.
Let the lyrics of your screaming song find their own
way out of your mouth.
Feel the scream build within your gut and let it
willingly free itself into the air and ears of all who surround you.
Your only responsibility over your scream is
to make sure it is heard by everyone.
Opposing team and all.

But don’t always think your shouts and loud support
will go unpunished.
Your opposing team may fire back with their own jests
and rigorous attempt to intimidate and persuade
the referee.
If this happens, do not fear.
Continue to let your gurgling screams erupt from your lungs.
And if necessary, allow the volume of your voice to rise
while strategically aiming it towards the obnoxious opposing team.
The key is to never back down.
Your shouts and screams are meant to be heard.

Your team needs to be cheered for.