a game, a player, a fan

[passion_bleeds]

I recall kneeling at the center of a circle
Of men, of teammates,
“Get your hand on someone.”
There we made an aroma pleasing to God.

I remember walking to the bleachers,
A building called Hope to my left,
And to my right, a group of men
Huddled over each other.

I recall tossing two balls
Between eight teammates,
Our hats spun around, telling
Of when we let the ball touch ground.

I remember wondering what they were doing.
They were diving, jumping, and throwing
Two balls around, hats backwards or sideways,
Yelling, “I love two ball!”

I recall the bottom of the ninth
In the final game of my senior year,
And perhaps of my career.
I was jogging around the bases.

I remember watching him trot
Like it was just another homerun,
Until he let out a great yell at home plate and
Disappeared into extatic red and white jerseys.

I recall the heartbreak of it being just short.
My senior year, my career,
All of it, now behind me.

I remember watching him shed tears
On one knee, watching a green dogpile.
Saying goodbye to the game.

...veritas et caritas...