He dives for the ball, body horizontal to the ground,
Glove outstretched and open like a Venus Flytrap
Seeking its flying victim, but the spherical prey eludes
The leather enemy – – – by an inch!
He swings at the splitter as it dives away from his
Wooden weapon and he strikes out, hitting nothing
But the dead air – – – by an inch!
He streaks across blades of grass, leaving no
Footprints, conscious that the color change
Means warning track approaching, and, with
The timing of a ballet dancer, leaps, but the
Well-tagged ball misses his grasp – – – by an inch!
He shuffles his feat almost undetected, bit by
Bit, timing the pitcher’s release and the catcher’s
Return . . . and then takes off, stealing second
– – – by an inch!
He, being a light hitter, chokes up on the bat, eyes
The way the fielder at the hot corner moves
To his left three steps, and then he swings, driving
The ball down the third base line and the ump
Signals, “Fair ball!” – – – by an inch!
Baseball is a game of chess but not without a bit
Of luck – – – about an inch of chance!