headchecks

can i be
part of your team?
i promise not to bother
i'm okay with sitting on the bench

can i be
part of your team?
i know you can't say no
i'm okay with being tolerated

if i pay
half my pride,
do i get to wear a jersey?
do i get to pretend that i won?

if i pay
with my life,
do i get to love you sweetly?
is it intricate enough?

can i be?