HOME TEAM

Home team.

First winter in a foreign town,
My accent turned the volume down.
Found a bar with a broken sign;
The match back home was playing live.
One goal—I cheered, then checked the room.
A stranger moved his glass and stool.
"Sit, my brother. Stay for the game."
I left with a scarf and four new names.

They didn't check my papers,
They asked if I was cold.
I didn't know their anthem;
They let me hum along.

Everybody needs a home team,
A door that opens when the night gets mean.
Win or lose, you're one of us.
Home team—you're sitting with us.

(You're sitting with us now.)
(Home team.)

Ten years on, I know the songs.
I bring samosas, sing along.
A stranger lingered by the door,
Same lost look I'd worn before.
He said, "It's my first winter here."
I moved my glass and brought him near.
"Sit, my brother. We've got room."
He smiled and set his suitcase down.

We didn't check his papers,
We asked if he was cold.
He didn't know our anthem;
We let him hum along.

Everybody needs a home team,
A door that opens when the night gets mean.
Win or lose, you're one of us.
Home team—you're sitting with us.

The year I lost my job, I lied:
"Can't make the match. I'm working nights."
They knocked with food. I let them through.
"Move your glass. We're here with you."

Everybody needs a home team,
A door that opens when the night gets mean.
Win or lose, you're one of us.
Home team—you're sitting with us.

Home team—I saved a seat for you.
(You're sitting with us now.)

The scarf hangs by my door now.
Both flags do.