Simple Gifts

Disclaimer: In writing, I frequently aspire to express the profound. You'll be relieved to hear that this post is different. I promise that this post is completely free from any taint of profundity.

Since the University came back into session last week, it's been harder for us to get time on the University soccer field. We've innovated.

Underneath our 6-story apartment building, there's a garage/workshop where the building manager stores stuff, and where all the air conditioning equipment lives. Most recently, it's become a soccer field.

It's not the most conventional soccer field I've ever played on. The open space is only the size of an extra-wide volleyball court. There are two large concrete pillars breaking up the space, and each of the pillars has four air-conditioning units attached to it. The ceiling is low enough that I can touch the ceiling almost flat-footed. Hanging from the ceiling are the sewer pipes coming down from 20 apartments. I can touch those flat-footed. There's a stairway taking up one corner of the open space, and a pile of old couches and desks stacked up in the opposite corner.

The goal is a foot-long section of 4-inch PVC pipe next to the wall, standing on end. Rules are pretty much non-existent.

The seven of us played for an hour yesterday. An hour later, another eight students were down there playing, this time with the building manager joining in.

The American soccer team may have made it to the Confederations' Cup Finals last week, but I can promise that our version of soccer is a lot more fun.