headchecks

Laced up,
my face is clear
through the visor

There's something that's intoxicating
about being in a locker room
full of people with scars like mine

I think I'm still hungover.

It must have been the first goal I scored
without being so scared of celebrating

My teammates
– pat me on the head
– embraced me
– weren't afraid to touch me.

It must have been the first time
I played as myself

It must have been the first time
that all my teammates
were on my side