Safe at Home

By Joseph McGowan

Every spring they come back to the fields
Where the seeds of their youth are sown
To the baseball diamond where memories are made
And old friendships rekindled, it’s a lot like going back home
For year after year you see the same familiar faces
Of the friends and the coaches you’ve known
And year after year the parents always
Remark, “My how our children have grown!”
And on a bright sunny day the words “play ball!” are echoed
Through these fields as a little boy steps up to home plate.
With a look of determination etched on his face,
To send that ball aloft, he no longer has to wait.
He bites down on his lip,
As he swings the bat with all his might.
Then a ping fills the air, as the sweet sound of contact
Sends the ball soaring into flight.
The heads of the crowd all turn at once
As the ball rises over the fielders and bounces for a hit
And a loud sigh from the crowd arises
As the ball passes by the right fielders mitt
And as the little boy rounds the bases
Heading for second and then for third.
“That’s my boy!” from the stands
Year after year has been known to be overheard.
With the helmet almost covering his eyes
The coach waves him home as the boy rounds the bases.
And a roar heard ‘round the park arises from the crowd
As a smile adorns mom and dad’s faces.
As the boy runs towards home,
The ball is relayed to the plate.
The catcher attempts to make the tag,
All is silent, as the call from the umpire the crowd awaits
As the dirt settles into a cloud of dust,
That now covers the little boy’s face.
A mighty roar breaks the silence
As the umpire throws his arms apart, he yells out “safe,!”
Safe at home, yes son, you’re safe at home.

Copyright© 2006