Slow Motion Adrenaline Rush

BATTER UP!

You hear the umpire announce.

Player walks up to base,

stiffens into position.

Don't space out.

Don't think bad.

Wind blowing hair into my face.

Breathe.

Red stitches against cold thin fingers.

Throw the ball.

Neon green flying from a windmill pitch.

WHACK!

Contact.

Ball comes straight back at you.

Focus.

Don't get lost.

Line drive.

Duck.

What a rush.

Could have taken my head off.

Applause.

Look around.

Team is cheering.

Heart racing.

Breathe.

OUT!

All you have to do is stand back up and repeat.