To express the idea that this edition of the Women’s World Cup has been inspirational would, at this point, be massively understanding the feeling we all hold in our hearts right now. The big stars and experienced teams have shown up not just to play but to shine a light on the inequities of the women’s game, most notably Marta and Megan Rapinoe, who have dominated headlines. But the newcomers and the “less celebrated” (by the mainstream white English speaking press) teams have made their mark as well. We’ve seen interest in the tournament skyrocket and an enormous increase in viewing audiences all over the world, which has led to worldwide condemnation of the hardships and battles countries like Nigeria and Jamaica have fought just to reach the global stage.
So it is not surprising that the football goddesses have been my muses over these past few weeks and have demanded I, once again, return to poetry to express my appreciation for this fantastic tournament and these extraordinary women. As such I present to you my odes to the beautiful game (and its not-so-beautiful moments)—as revealed in this Women’s World Cup—in haiku form
An Ode to the Women’s Game
Invest in women
In Africa, Asia, and
South America
Watch as the game grows
Opportunity blossoms
And women flourish
The seeds planted by
The fierceness of so many
Hands and feet rise strong
Odes to the Semifinalists
England
Roars of these lions
Silence the doubts and the fears
All ready to pounce
United States
Big plays cull small talk
Fighting for more than just wins
Bursting with stars bright
Netherlands
Hopes buoyed by crowds
Orange hued thundering voices
Blistering forward
Sweden
Stunning surprises
Equals Swedish delights as
Expectations soar
Ode to Capitalism
Now you want to sell
Such big dreams to strong young girls
Later, just more shoes
Ode to White Journalists
Your tired racist tropes
Oh clueless commentators
Must come to an end
Ode to the “Well Actually” Crowd
Hush, men, no talking
We are too busy watching
The women play now
Ode to Equality
The game stays the same
Even when played by les femmes
Deserves equal pay
Photo by Vincent Michel/Icon Sport via Getty Images
Ode to VAR
We see the signal.
Patience, young Valkyrie. Breathe.
VAR must have its time.
Odes to Rule Changes
What’s a penalty.
Rain falling? Wind gust? Hand ball?
I no longer know.
Ode to Rule Changes, part 2
Oh ref! Why do you
Ignore that kick and my pain
But have time for VAR?
Ode to Rule Changes, part 3
Swiftly she goes – oh!
Yes! There is the goal! Oh. Wait.
Damn. The offside flag.
Ode to the G.O.A.T.
As our tears seep down
Into the smiles you gave us
We thank you, Marta
Ode to Players Out Too Soon
To those missing from
Sweet Sinclair to Suck That Sam,
A lesser final
