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Open Poetry #7
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A moment In The Sun-Repost from the corner pub
| Open Poetry #7 |
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A moment In The Sun-Repost from the corner pub |
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David2 Member
since 2000-03-22
Posts 407 |
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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mariee66 Senior Member
since 2000-01-30
Posts 596Recess, OfYourMind |
Being the true baseball addict that I am...I loved this~ Well done~ Marie~ |
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netswan Senior Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 1369Washington |
Oh David, this brought tears to my eyes. I LOVE happy endings --) This was wonderful -I love your writing netswan |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I love it just as much, if not more, as the first time I read this! Great writing, David! Denise |
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hsystems Member
since 2000-03-28
Posts 319Murray, UT, USA |
Another treasure, my friend! I, too, am a baseball fanatic...always wanted to play, but my one year in little league convinced me that I didn't have the talent. Thank you for this heart-warming story!  Troy Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Poetry http://www.h-systems.net/p1.htm |
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Parker Member Elite
since 2000-01-06
Posts 3129ON |
I thought you were going to pull a Clancy at the end. Good one really enjoyed............. What can I say ... Go Jays Go. Parker |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Well written. Enjoyed muchly. |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Great writing, great tale, David. ~ Claire Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?......Henry David Thoreau |
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Roniece Dawson-Bruce Member Ascendant
since 2000-01-29
Posts 5689Sydney, Australia |
David - this was well written and I enjoyed reading every line - I wish I knew a Sam Ryan in my life - it was a great story. And this is my 100 post! I'm so pleased I chose your poem to make a comment. Roniece |
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