The Catch !

It's not just about winning ...

Standing lonesome and pitiful, far out by the boundary rope
the day was beginning to really drag and I was fast losing hope,
I’d failed once more with the bat, yet another calamity
so now I’m watching fluffy clouds pass by, oh dear, woe is me!

Why did I not invent some paltry excuse, then call or send a text
informing him I could not play, even though he would be vexed?
Like my second cousin once removed is visiting, or the dog’s not well
but our skipper is a shrewd old bird and a rat he'd easily smell!

Now don’t take me up wrong or get confused, I do enjoy the game 
but lately I have been faltering and really, I’ve only myself to blame
as despite his protestations, I think weekly practice on the whole,
is boring so I don’t attend, that’s probably why I never get on to bowl!

Goodness gracious a wicket down, Grieves has got one to nip back
not a bad effort I suppose, though perhaps it hit a crack?
My o my he’s done it again, their big hitter has played all around
LBW and now he’s taking the long walk,  returning to the visitor’s compound!

But it won’t make any difference;  they’ll easily overtake our score 
although the skipper and young Endicott, battled as if they were in a war,
they got us to some sort of total, though hard for me to observe
Gee-whiz the skippers just bowled his counterpart, boy, he's got nerve! 

Despite these minor triumphs,  their joviality is on parole
as this  alacrity won’t last long, now old Tobias is on to bowl,
I know the old duffer loves his cricket, but it really is a joke
he's getting on in years though I admit, still a sprightly bloke!

Panic must be setting in, a dolly missed and the ball hits middle stump
then another LBW, two run outs, a stumping, old Tobias has got the hump,
but they only need a few to win then I'll  get home, ending this servitude
Ah a mighty whack, now that ball is travelling like a rocket, gaining altitude!

But what goes up must come down, is much more than just a cliché
though and behold that little red ball, is now fast falling  down my way,
as I watch it descend an ethereal transition overcomes my mind,
time slows up and within those elongated,  seconds, no longer am I  blind!

Like a soothsayer, now I clearly see my teammates through an inward eye
my skipper’s fortitude,  leading by example and never saying "Die"!
And there's Grieves and Endicott, neither born with silver spoon
a proud father and his son, straining every sinew each Saturday afternoon!

Finally I see Tobias,  a decorated old soldier who knew much worldly strife
each week he looks forward to a game,  long since retired from army life,
then instantly this time portal disappears;  I’m back waiting for the catch
and as the ball lands firmly within my eager grasp, I can't wait for next week’s match!

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Team spirit is what it’s all about, Tom. When you are on a team, even if you are having a bad day, you owe it to the other players to show up and play as hard as you can. A team is like a family and they all support one another. When one player does not show up, it hurts every other player. Responsibility, yes, but also a wonderful feeling of comradery that means so much to so many. As always, your rhythm and rhyming is spot on and you tell such a good story. I enjoyed this. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia and as always you have captured my little story's raison d'etre quite marvelously indeed!

[BlackRose]

Rah, rah, go tom go!! Excellent piece. All for one, and one for all. The person has to take one, two or more for the team whether one is up to it or not. It's part of being there for the team, as they would be there for that person. Really enjoyed it.

[Tom]

Yes indeed BlackRose, its all about the team and not the individual and thank you for your perceptive comments !

[Marie]

If you love the game so much, you should really get to practice more. Not just write poems about it, colourful as they are.

[Tom]

Wise counsel indeed and just what the skipper himself would advocate, thank you Marie !

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Each player in a team plays his very important role. And while doing his part, he is cooperating with the other members of the team. Each must do this in order to win. But it's not always about winning...it's about responsibility...and cooperation.
Nice one.

[Tom]

Thank you Dhaye for your thoughtful comments !

[Sheila Kline]

When we are in something as a team rather than as "me" it is far better for one as we pull together and in doing this we become stronger, feel more a part of life, enjoy that which we are doing above and beyond what "self" may gain. Your poem enforces this concept as the team comes together in such a beautiful way, though the outcome is not exactly what was hoped for it is that which gives a boost to the spirit!
Your rhyme, rhythm is as always just "spot on", and the insight you give the reader of that which happens during the game you love so very much is exceptional!!
I adore the ending - it is so very HUMAN and HONORABLE!
Thank you for sharing with us yet another wonderful poem of that which you enjoy so very much my friend!!

[Tom]

Thank you Sheila for your concise and exemplary analysis of my story !

[MsJewel]

A wonderful story with a great message. As always it is a pleasure to read you!

:) Julie

[Tom]

Thank you Julie !

[Sami Khalil]

A most excellent poem on team spirit and the role each play with the scheme of things...More power to you...:)...............

[Tom]

Esprit de corps Sami and thank you Sir !

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)..................

[Sami Khalil]

العصبية روح التضامن Esprit de corps

[Tom]

I concur !

[Sami Khalil]

Hahahaha...:)............................