I hear the crickets chirping.
I look outside my window and see nothing but darkness.
My eyes sting from the lack of sleep.
I yawn and slump back down.

I am unwilling to do this.
I posses no energy.
No body is forcing me to do this.
It’s my own desire.

But I understand that somebody wants my spot on the team
And I will not let them have it.
Champions are born
On a thousand invisible mornings.

I slide on my cleats.
Tighten my laces.
And glare out the window
Into the dark.

I slide open my back door.
The automatic lights flick on.
It illuminates the soccer field
In my backyard.

I grin.

Back to work.