Kevin rounding 1st base during softball game

Promising Signs

4/3/09

A softball player, even a team

that is 'slumping', always looks

for evidence of energy shift

where luck, and fortune smile,

give hope their drought is over,

they are a superstitious lot

following routines for preparation

or when approaching the plate,

-pick up dirt, say an affirmation,

(pray for success), a practice swing,

pulling the bat between the legs,

to clean it, juice it with 'chi',

stepping in with one foot,

the other out, while surveying

what 'holes' are open possibilities,

finally committing, both feet in,

as pitches drop, 'ball, strike'

then one chosen, swung on, contact,

in the 'gap', running the bases,

pulling up to the bag, 'Safe!'-

there is elation, smile, praise

from others observing, self satisfaction,

thoughts of still having potency,

some aspect of one's skills to give

toward intended efforts to 'win',

risking failure in every attempt

while courting 'promising signs', as proof.