It was a cool fall evening
A full moon hung over left field
It was getting colder in the late innings
It’s the last game of the season for Charlie
Maybe even the final game of his career
Standing behind the plate in full control
Two outs in the bottom of the ninth
He was looking forward to a break
He took off his mask and relaxed,
When the pitcher asked for a time out
A strike, a hit, then the final out
Charlie emptied his ball bag and
Rolled the balls to the home team
In the locker room, he called his wife in Miami
She was looking forward to his return
Charlie said goodbye to his crew
Then closed his locker and went home
THE POETRY OF THE GAME