Blood in the Dirt

Been upset lately. An old softball field is my sanctuary. I wrote this from the pitcher's mound. (and yes, that's me in the picture. lol)

I'm sitting in the pitcher's circle,

Bare toes in the rusty red dirt.

The smell of dirt and chalk

Makes my heart hurt.

 

This is my domain,

This is where I reign.

There isn't one minute I wouldn't relive,

Bring on the pain.

 

I played through the agony,

Nails digging into my palm.

Just grit my teeth a little harder,

And pitch the ball.

 

I would give anything

To go back to that time and place.

Black lines under my eyes,

Dirt smeared across my face.

 

My blood in the dirt,

But not one tear shall fall.

She'll pay for that one.

That was a bullshit call.

 

Being the pitcher was rough,

Putting a target on my back.

Cut, bloodied, and bruised,

But I'll make her pay for that.

 

A pitch inside, my bad,

That was a little too close.

No one makes me bleed

Without paying what they owe.

 

I can deal out bruises too,

Hell, I can break your arm.

I'm one of the best around,

I can do plenty harm.

 

But that was back then,

I gave up my dream.

I took an academic scholarship,

How wise that choice seemed.

 

Now it's school all day,

Research papers and math.

No more cleats, no more glove,

I'm on a different path.

 

Now I go to work,

Pleasing customers is my goal.

No longer does my life

Revolve around the ball I hold.

 

I miss the sound of the stands

Cheering, screaming my name.

I miss my glory days.

I miss the game.

Reviews

[GTVile]

Brutal. I played softball in college, but of course we played wussy slow pitch. I know how you FP players get about this game. I pitched with a cigar hanging out of my mouth, usually drunk. It was a fraternity/dorm hall league. I was the MVP of the Wednesday games. Anyway, thank you for this passionate trip down memory lane. Perhaps more akin to my boxing days or when I swam or rode horses even, but I love that you put this into softball. I hope you can relive those games again at some future juncture in your life. Great job.

[sweetfrog]

whoa! deep stuff. i really love your wording.

[Antonio Valentino]

Fantastic, fantastic poem. Reminds me of softball tournaments and little league years. Loved this alot, great, great job with this.

Antonio :)

[Ruth]

You know, football, I have no knowledge of and yet this....love...you have made a slaughter of emotion through it! That is clever and an excellent piece! xx

[Tathiana Milla Rodrigue..]

you made a poem about football seems so epic love!! Very nice!!

[Dilan Gray]

I love this poem. I played softball for a couple years so this poem really made me smile at the memories. Thank you. I really loved all the emotion you put into this poem, it was really well written! Fantastic poem!

[Ashley Myers]

i played softball ALL the way through high school. infact i played ball from the time i could swing a bat. i love the game, and i love the adrenaline. I couldnt play in college though. i have kids and other things i need to focus my attention on, but sometimes giving up things you want just takes you to a better place in life

[iamkim]

wow! this poem is simply amazing! nice work friend, keep it up!

[Jim Parson]

Another great write, Heather. You've captured the search for meaning in life and the feeling of loss when the time comes for us to leave those things behind that hold no place in our future. The past is a beautiful place and is always there for us to visit. You've said it all beautifully here.

[Katub]

Wow this is utterly amazing, you've captured my heart with your words. This is beautiful, I don't know how you can write with such emotion and such feeling.
Your words show meaning, pain, sorrow and regret. Well done :)