Erling Haaland is dressed as an Oompa Loompa.
He doesn’t have an orange face
because he doesn’t trust the paint will come off
but his blonde hair is safely tucked
under an erratic green wig bought online.
He’s unsure whether to smile at pirates, witches,
a giant puppy behind cardboard bars clutching
a copy of Dear Zoo. His head is facing the ground
and the crowd are ready to encourage him he’ll be OK.
He looks up, shuffles his feet like preparing to bury
a penalty in the top corner and says Good morning
to Batgirl as he walks into the classroom.

Carl Burkitt 2024