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A Moment In The Sun
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A Moment In The Sun |
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David2 Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 407 |
I have always loved " Casey at the Bat " So I wrote this for my son, I hope some of you find it interesting. A Moment In The Sun Some time ago I met a gent, Sam Ryan was his name. Quite tan and tall with weathered face, Said baseball was his game. For fifteen years he tried and tried To make it to the show. For playing ball was in his blood And all he cared to know. Time took its toll and stripped him bare His skills with age had died. His arms, his legs were all but gone But still he tried and tried. But when he knew his time had come To give up on his dream An owner from the majors called And put him on his team. The owner was a life long pal Who’d heard that he had quit. He knew that he should call him up, Reward him for his grit.. And with this game he knew he’d go Into the record book If someone dared to doubt his claim He’d show them where to look. A little sad he felt because He knew he wouldn’t play. Yet still he hoped that nothing cast A shadow on his day. And when the time he’d waited for And worked so hard for came. He happily reported for His only big league game. He took his place upon the bench Then helped the pitchers throw. He treasured every toss and catch While basking in the glow. At last his game drew near its end When to the team’s chagrin The coach had used his players up By trying hard to win. They needed four to win the game Their chances seemed quite slim The bags were full with one out left Their hope at best was dim. They weren’t quite dead for due to swing Was Jake “The Hit Man” Hoak The best they had was up to bat And left them full of hope. As he bounded toward the plate He tripped as if on cue. The crack was heard throughout the stands His ankle snapped in two. “ I’m sorry, Skip,” was all he said “ It looks like I’m done in.” His face contorted from the pain His countenance was grim. The coach let out the sigh you sigh When forced at last to yield. The only chance they had to win Lay broken on the field. He only had one player left As he decried his fate And with a look of abject gloom Sent Ryan to the plate. At once a universal gasp Arose among the crowd They knew that Ryan had no chance And murmured it aloud. The walk between the bench and home It seemed to stretch a mile But Ryan slowly made his way To face his final trial. “ Just let me hit the ball dear Lord,” Was all that Ryan asked. He hoped but wasn’t sure if he Was equal to the task. The pitcher held the ball secure And ground it on his hip With menace in his eyes and with A snarl upon his lip He thought he’d show this old man up The good for nothin’ lout He thought he’d play with him awhile Before he got him out. So there at home did Ryan stand Consumed with fear and dread To his surprise the first ball thrown Came hurtling toward his head. He hit the dirt flat on his back And lingered there awhile He got up slow and brushed himself With dignity and style. The bat seemed somehow lighter now His legs felt better too And when his shoulder muscles twitched He knew his time was due. With ease he stepped back in the box With calm he stood his ground “Just throw the ball my way again” He gestured toward the mound. The pitcher fired the best he had The perfect pitch it seemed No one could hit a ball like that Was what the crowd had deemed. His arms uncoiled and with a blast It thundered through the air With one great swing he crushed the ball But was it foul or fair? Upon the crowd a silence fell While waiting out its flight Erupting then with cries of joy It vanished out of sight. He trotted round the bases with An elegance and grace. His only show of pride was from The smile upon his face. Though fans might soon forget this day Sam Ryan never will Those wondrous cheers were meant for him He says he hears them still. Just once to hit the ball that far He’d dreamed but never done But on this day at last he gained His moment in the sun. |
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| © Copyright 2000 David William La Belle - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
David, this is absolutely fantastic!! I loved it!! What a great story!! Welcome to the Pub! Nice to see you hear!  Denise |
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David2 Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 407 |
Thanks Denise, I am glad you enjoyed it. David |
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StarrGazer Senior Member
since 2000-03-05
Posts 679Texas |
I agree this was great I'm sure your son enjoyed it good job!!! "A poet is one who spends a lifetime standing out in thunderstorms, waiting to be hit by lightning" ~Randal Jarrell~ |
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William P Bussey Member
since 2000-02-26
Posts 188 |
Hey coach, put me in, I coached baseball in several levels, youtrh to semi pro, you speak my talk real well.I lived that dream , I just didn't get very far, but I coached kids who made it as far as triple A, I enjoyed every line, What a great piece of work, welcome and lets talk baseball. Bill |
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childomine Senior Member
since 2000-01-25
Posts 818st. petersburg, FL |
Welcome David. This is an excellent piece of work. You had me sitting on the edge of my seat, silently cheering "old" Ryan on. The fulfillment of a lifelong dream - what a feeling!!! Great message too about not giving up!! ...Give me the strength to walk the soft earth, a relative to all that is.... Black Eagle Oglala Sioux holy man |
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Gene Senior Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 935Colorado, USA |
Wow! Move over Casey, there's a new batter at the plate. Excellent! Welcome to the Pub, David. ~Gene |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Hi David, welcome to the Pub. That a wonderful story. I'm sure your son loved it ! |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
Personally, I like Sam Ryan better than the "Mighty Casey"... This is awesome, Dave.. You've a multi-dimensional talent for sure.. (I'm so glad when I see avid proponents of meter and rhyme among us)...  |
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Sasikat Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 290St. Petersburg, FL |
David, This is terrific. Gave me such a good feeling. Welcome to The Pub. Sheila ...the earth and myself are of one mind. The measure of the land and the measure of our bodies are the same........... Joseph, Nez Perce Chief |
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John the cat Member
since 2000-03-23
Posts 357England |
Being English, I know absolutely nothing of Baseball. (I presume that was the game?) I loved this poem..I love rhyme. and this is top drawer. |
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