PLAYING HOOKY

national anthem soared
first pitch ripped
settled in for late May
ballpark weekday afternoon

alas, overcast skies cast a pall
along with rumble in the distance
crowd murmured as huge drops
splat, signaled a torrent

ka-boom thunder announced
delay, while soggy nacho chips
rain watered down beer disappointed
crowd huddled under overhang

groundskeepers scurried
wind whipped tarp and rain pelted
precious green grass, darkened
pitcher’s mound

intermittent showers dampened
spirit, crowd dwindled after first hour
meager at the second, hardy few
hear official postponement

crinkled ticket held for
reschedule, but Tuesday evening
in August lacks excitement of
skipping work for a May

afternoon at the ballpark