How would we explain to the aliens
The ones who traveled light-years to reach us.
The ones who could be our fathers
That we got rid of football?
We were playing it all this time
But sorry, you can’t watch it
Because we thought it was too violent.

But more people die from your plant-flavored beverages?
Excuse me?
Isn’t alcohol made from plants or am I wrong
The aliens would say so smugly.
And we would be ashamed.
And silent.
Because they were right.
We would be more concerned with banning football
Than in banning the alcohol at tailgate parties.
But, of course
Since there is no more football
It would simply be a party.

But the violence, the violence.
Did you put rules inside this heelgame?
This toe spectacle?
It was called football and yes, we did have rules.
We equipped our players
As soldiers do to wars
Their arms, were arms.
The football itself was bullet-shaped.
They had guards as well.
Not so people could not get out
So that people could get in
The end zone.

And now we start to realize.
We didn’t ban football because of its violence
We banned it because it was convenient.
It could be our scapegoat we brought out to bash on.
It made some of us feel like better people.
And some of us hang out heads in shame.
And as the aliens left.
We saw a group of youth playing **** the Ball Carrier.
And hope that these youth would take that game.
And make it the next great American toe spectacle.