I’m standing on first base,
courtesy of a walk, a free pass,
and really do not have the personality
to take the risk to try and steal second.
I have been playing this game for years,
and have to admit I am strictly a singles hitter,
one who has managed upon occasion
to hit the ball past the drawn-in infielders.
People in the stands begin to yawn
as I take a very short lead off the bag.
The next batter, perhaps seeing my cautious life,
gives me an opportunity to run by taking
a couple of pitches, but I stay put.
He strikes out and I return to right field,
hoping that no one will hit the ball to me.
I am safe for now, yet sometimes I wonder
how it would feel to round second, head for third,
and come flying home as the crowd goes crazy.
THE POETRY OF THE GAME