The Battle

It all begins up on the hill, where the sun is setting on the field. The trees are losing their leaves, which are piling in heaps around the field. The bright autumn colors are in contrast with the deep green field. The perfect breeze is kissing the faces of all the people up on the hill. More and more spectators are gathering, like the leaves, as the minutes are passing. The birds are singing, saying good-bye to the passing day. In reality, the day, the excitement, has just begun. Excitement.

There’s a single kickoff, and the beauty begins. Lines form. The battle is underway. Players are running, each in sync. A blur of back and white hurtling through the air, followed by players in green being chased by players in white. Determination is written all over their faces. Sweat is already dripping down their faces, as if they have been dancing around a fire for hours. Determination.

Their feet are moving faster than those of stampeding horses. The players are running, battling, until they’re out of breath. Feet are dancing around the ball, like a ballet, protecting the ball, sheltering the ball from the opponent, and fighting for the ball. The ball is ownerless, does not favor a particular team; it is unbiased. Each team wants to be the master, the owner of the ball; they fight for their rights, the right to succeed, the right to score, and the right to be triumphant. Battle.

Players are passing the ball from one to the next, synchronizing movements, like a well-oiled machine, with ease until a goal is about to be scored. The goalie saves the ball. The home-team crowd boos the opposing team with vigor, as if the goalie has stolen their most valuable possession. He stole the success of our home team, stole their rhythm, stole thei...

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...nd victory will be ours. Time is standing still. Eternities are passing by faster than one small second. Generations are being born, living their lives, and dying, faster than one small second is passing. Happiness.

The captain of the home team at half field sees the game flash before his eyes. His teammate gives up, stops the chase, and loses the battle. The ball is headed towards the goal with the opponent dancing around it eager to score. A red card is dropped; the opponent is on the ground. The game is saved. The captain took a fall for the team; he will be unable to play in the next game. Everyone sighed with relief. Soccer.

Off the field, the battle is over. The teams shake hands; their sportsmanship is intact. Each team congratulates the other for playing to their full potential, for battling their hearts out. It is almost as if both teams won. Kindness.