Dead silence
not even a crackle of white noise.
Next to me sit my fellow fighters.
Our muscles rigid due to the anticipation.

All our preparation and practice.
All of our fiery focus in battle, coming down to this moment.
The shortcomings and failures in practice behind us.
Our duty done and all we can do is wait.

The announcer breathes in;
his lungs fill with air.
Finally. Release.
The trumpet of victory rings throughout the room
the day is ours!

A million firecrackers go off in the stadium
as I try to find my breath.
We have won.
I find myself in the arms of a brother.
“we’ve won” we wail in unison

We march down the stadium stairs;
our prize shines before me.
Our blood and sweat reflected in the the glass.
This is our time!