The Inside Game

A little villanelle I just wrote to mark the passing of the season and the long, dark, and cold winter until the pitchers and catchers report to spring training in mid-February next year. Enjoy.

The Inside Game

It’s more than just pitcher throws the ball

The game is subtle, fluid, & intricate

He must paint the black to get the call

Almost all the hitters will try to stall

With fussing, adjusting, a spit, a fidget

It’s more than just pitcher throws the ball

One mistake and it’s off the wall

If not over . . . and now he’s a culprit.

He must paint the black to get the call.

Those batters think they know it all

With their laptops, coaches, & special diet

It’s more than just pitcher throws the ball

He has to ponder, plot, and must recall

How to shove the batter to his limit

He must paint the black to get the call

Because effective hurlers stand real tall

Win the head game with spunk & spirit

It’s more than just pitcher throws the ball

He must paint the black to get the call