It was the bottom of the 5th

The sun was blazing into my face

but I didn't mind

"As long as I don't get burned," I said

An osprey circled the outfield with a fish in its mouth

Landing on the bright lights high above

it perched on its nest

It was the top of the 8th

The sun went down

"Now maybe I can cool off," I thought

But perspiration persisted

Several more swings of the bat

Wood splintering toward the infield

The score now: 9 "us" 4 "them"

It was the top of the 9th

The closer was tall with long hair...and fat!

His slider was incredibly hard and fast

as he quickly brought the summer evening to a close

July 30, 2019

Photo and Poem Copyright © 2020 by Michael DeFrancesco