The Corner Kick’s Curve

by Michael Dylan Welch and Joshua Beach

First published in Tandem 1:2, October 2021, page 30. Originally written 1 May 2010 at what was then called Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle Sounders 1

Columbus Crew 1

evening chill—

the marching band

takes the field Michael

fireworks and a smoke ring

rise toward the gray sky Josh

breakaway—

the ref can’t backpedal

fast enough Michael

yellow card—

the fans begin to chant

a call-and-response Josh

the corner kick’s curve

toward the post Michael

confetti flickers

on the synthetic turf—

the smell of garlic Josh