---

They lined up in shifting rows,
pacing and pawing the green,
their nostrils quivering,
snorting with bridled passion.

Their breath came thick,
rising in white clouds
as they pawed the ground.
Icicles formed
below frozen lips,
and powerful shoulders
rolled in anticipation.

Unleashed at a signal,
some rammed headlong
while others danced about
on muscled limbs
or rushed downfield,
head high and eyes skyward
in anticipation.

​A rumble, a riot of limbs,
and the victor emerges
dancing to a wild choreography,
a salute to the gods of football.