I dont need to list the reasons to love
Why we reach behind, beyond and above
The fun in the sport, the joy that it brings
How we laugh and joke and even sing
No, the reasons to understand its worth
Is by knowing more of the painful birth
The shivering
delivering
Of a better version of yourself
Is not made from medals on a shelf
Is by knowing we do it despite what we hate
We try to create our very own fate
So let me tell you what I hate about derby
I despise that urinary smell of dirty
I hate the fact that skaters dont shower
After a game, when drunk of power
I hate the screams and random cheers
I hate late trainings and tired tears
I hate the fact that I live for short flashes
I hate that the rest of my hobbies bursts into ashes
I hate all the money I spent on this sport
I hate that Im not brave enough to deport
I hate when skaters say “were elite athletes”
But never go jogging down the streets
As if its to get respect from the other
Accnowledged sports whom really bother
I hate that I never have time for friends
I hate the fear of when it all ends
I hate the DIY thing with an organisation
How it gives an unprofessional foundation
I hate that skaters are expected to coach
Without experience or correct approach
I hate the lack of intellect
That theres only one way to really connect
To share the goal to win on track
Until your body is old, a broken wreck
I hate that we call this “alternative movement”
Instead of a group that needs serious improvement
Seen to promote equality and gender fairness
But lack of policies for discrimination awareness
I hate peoples ideas of what this sport really is
Some circus show with dramatic whiz
I hate the truth in what people think
The doubt in myself as I enter the rink
I hate the lack of long term investments
Of objective feedback and proper assessments
I hate that retired skaters are tired
That they have lost their helping desire
I hate the lack of policies
I hate the lack of apologies
I hate handing out flyers on a Sunday
That derby always gets in the way
I hate the commute from station to station
I hate the older derby generation
Their negative way to approach new suggestions
Without having a fair reply on our questions
I hate the online forum which makes no sense
I hate sloppy habits as the warm up commence
But mostly I hate when Im about to go under
When the heart start beating, loud as thunder
How this sport just grasp me by the soul
Overwhelmingly hot, at the same time cold
How it when I gear on just fills up inside
How the confidence rises with every stride
The feel of belonging on this very track
I hate that Ill do it until Im a wrack
How despite all the losses and sacrifice made
Any other way feels so full of shade
