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.

[Zachary_James]

very interesting

[Tate Morgan]

Oh the memories this brings back wonderful memories of days gone by

[Coyote Poetry]

I like this poem. I played sport all my life. Today I miss the days of competition and friendship. I like the feel and emotion of this poem. Took me with you to a day at the ballpark. A outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Zoe Jay]

I love the rhythm and rhyme, it works very well, unselfconscious, and pleasant to read. Very nice reminiscent poem, nice detail and word use. I love the strength and passion of this. Very honest. I like the appreciation of detail.

[Celeste21]

I feel the same way about cheerleading. I miss it very much.

[Sherbs Dreaming Tree Of..]

Absolutely love it!!

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

If I was the home plate Umpire, and your work was a 3-2 pitch in the bottom of the ninth, I would holler "Steeriiike threeeee..." completing a perfect game. More great emotion here. Love it!

[♥Chloe-The-Zombi..]

love this poem!! its so dark. favorite line was:
"
Now I go to work,
Pleasing customers is my goal.
No longer does my life
Revolve around the ball I hold."
brilliant. 100/100