oiled in neatsfoot
smooth ash bat handle
heft on my shoulder
scrape of metal spikes
on concrete sidewalk
vivid chalkstripes
on soft tan dirt
seamed cowhide sphere
cupped in my hand
ballcap tugged snug
steppin’ on the ballfield
remembering you dad
Dad managed my high school hardball team. I managed my sons. This coming summer, my son will manage my grandson in T-ball.
Oh, how I love this. It was already taking me down memory lane (grew up an Indians fan in Ohio, brother played Little League my whole life, my kids both played tee-ball)…and then that last line zinger. Whew. So good.
I am glad this resonated for you De. I grew up in Cincinnati, a major fan of the Big Red Machine. The 1970’s were awesome, rootin’ for Sparky, Pete, Johnny and the boys! 🙂
I love it so much… memories are so much about scents and that has to be a very specific one…. i never grew up with baseboll but I can understand how specific things can make you think of your father.
Thsnk you Björn. Those memories are branded deep in my fiber.
What lovely memories you have woven together here Rob.
Thank you Linda… 🙂
Your quadrille appeals to all the senses, Rob, whether the reader is a sports fan or not. Although my dad played different sports, I get a sense of him in these lines too.
I am pleased you enjoyed this Kim, thank you!
Damn, Rob, this reads like a preamble to FIELD OF DREAMS; terrific imagery and sense memories. It appears that you may have played some ball. I was busy with stage crew, drama classes, and creative writing.
I think I grew up with a “Renaissance Man” complex? Always tried to do everything. Loved playing hardball though! Good shortstop, slightly wild relief pitcher. ( Just a bit outside! 🙂 ) Music was a first love though.
What a wonderful memory to share about your dad Rob.
The man will forever be my true hero Grace. He adopted me, saving me from life in an orphanage, and provided me with a home, and childhood of adventure, learning, and love. A tough man of simple means, and minimum education – but among the men I have known in my 72 years… he is a giant!
I think it’s all in the spiraling chains of your DNA, Rob, passed from generation to generation. Beautiful write!
Thank you! I am adopted Bev, but it is certainly in our generational “emotional” DNA, 🙂
We both bespoke a beloved parent in our quads today. My mom played in the women’s baseball league during WWII. You may be adopted but it seems you were much loved and he gave you the love of the game and you have passed it on to your son. This is such a tender quad.
Thank you Toni! I was loved, and I felt it! How very friggin’ cool to have “A League Of Their Own” mom! My son will be coaching my grandson in T-ball this summer, so the love, on every level, is being paid forward.
This is splendid in its choice of words and imagery, Rob! 😀
Thank you Sanaa I appreciate your kind words… 🙂
Well done, it is uncanny the memories sounds and scents can trigger.
And which are the longest-lived…
what a lovely way to remember your father
Thank you Jade! My dad was memorable to those who knew him… 🙂
A brilliant piece. Such economy of words, simple and precise. Each line draws us closer to the game until we are there. And then your last line rends our hearts! Beautiful!
Thank you so much Loreen, I greatly appreciate your wonderful words – very appreciative! 🙂
Good sensory description speaking volumes, Rob. Touching piece.
Thank you VJ… 🙂
a generation game – beautifully rendered
Thank you Laura! 🙂
I never had spikes, but we sure had a good time playing ball when I was a kid! Loved your poem Rob!
When I was a teen Dwight, having the metal spikes, like the big leaguers, was the height of cool in our little town! Every game, a ripped pair of pants, bloody shin – we didn’t care. The metals, as we called them, were ginally banned… but they were cool! 😉
Such a lot of sensual imagery here, Rob.
Thank you Jane!
Nice description and remembrance of your father.
Thank you Frank!
This tugs at my heart – in many ways
I am pleased this resonated for you Candy…!
What a wonderful memorial to a beautiful tradition.
Thank you Linda…! 🙂