Simple Sunday-The Game

On a humid summer afternoon

oh, there were so many of those.

I suited up in my uniform

and despite the heat I was happy 

to wear my knee-high pants and stirrup socks,

with my cap to shield the sun's rays.

I never got tired of seeing that expanse 

of green grass, the soft brown dirt

between the bases with 

lines of white chalk as a guide.

The stands with it's seats, row upon rows

reaching towards the blue sky

cavernous yet free at the same time.

And the crowd, too many there to count

I loved the sound they made

the chatter, the cheers especially

even to boos had their moments

I'd feed off their excitement and energy

like a kid in a candy store

getting a buzz off all that sugar.

I'm not sure what I preferred

working the field, chasing the stitched ball

and making a play to get 

that batter out anyway I could

running, stretching, sliding

or falling on the field.

It didn't matter as long as 

the play was made.

Or the slight crouch at home

with my Louisville in my grip

trying my best to interpret the

hard ball being hurled at me

and the thrill of hitting 

the "sweet spot" and watching

the ball fly higher and higher

over heads and into the stands

with eager fans vying for 

that home-run ball.

It's a beautiful game

with its pace and plays

the mood echoing around all

the winners and the losers.

It didn't matter too much to lose

well, after some time to cool

as there was always another day

another game and chance to win

but most importantly

just to play the game.

I am the old-timer

the one the youngsters 

try and top

and I hope they do 

because that means the 

game will continue on

played on a diamond

how appropriate that is!

This game is a jewel

 to be admired and enjoyed

with all it's many facets.

I have had my days on the field

and I am done

but God willing there will be 

many, many more to follow 

in my profession of play

and join the ranks of

The Boys of Summer.

CCB

4/30/2015

A Dramatic Monologue