JIMMY PIERSALL

Jimmy viewed
The warning track
As the starting point
To launch his attack.

Three long strides,
Maniacal leap,
Bust into the boards,
Collapse in a heap.

Unbridled exertion,
Precipitous play
Faced down his fears,
Kept demons at bay.

To this troubled man
Contradiction made sense –
There was comfort in crush
Of bone on fence.