tournament

mad rush upon arrival,

heels hit the ground running.

team bonding, last-minute

wardrobe fixes before

all hell breaks loose.

non-stop days,

straight hallways

holding questions,

stairs bringing danger,

(risk to body and mentality).

speaking brings clarity,

if the audience dare listen.

one day's done, the next awaits.

early morning, painful to wake.

a rerun of what's gone down before

but the players are different,

with a new score to settle.

the stupidity of some is nearly painful

(i'm right, you quack,

so just stop talking).

it's an adrenaline rush,

brought on only

by a piece of printed paper,

and your own expectations.

teammates stand proud,

watching you try

to leap for the podium,

and come home with a prize.