I'm studying
lots of things
that are and aren't useful.
Some of them
are completely bullshit...
like I can tell you now
that I won't need 'em in my life.
I know, that's all I have to do,
but fuck it!
I'm young only once
I wanna go out,
but the school's holding me back,
like a prison where's nothing but lack
of freedom.
When I'm in the dorm
I feel the opposite way
like a bird in a small cage,
which doesn't have the chance to escape,
can't break out
hilarious rules...
They think
they can do anything
that's bad for us,
taking advantage
of our vulnerability,
because this is how life works...
There's no humility
anymore...
For Randy Baker's 10th Prompt:
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Peanuts and Crackerjack
Bottom of the ninth inning. The game is tied with two outs, two strikes and a man on second. I tap the bat on home plate. The rigid vibrations it creates reminds my aching digits that this isn't over. The practice swing only adds to the heft of mental burnout... Man on second, willing to chance it. Pitcher eyes him but doesn't give in to the dangerous bluff. I kick up dust, readying the peculiar stance I've had since the days of little league. The bat lays stiff upon my cramping shoulder. Pain has no reason to be acknowledged; it's a fleeting afterthought. The sun sits passed high noon, but the stadium lights are on anyway. They trick my brain into believing they are the cause of this sweltering heat. Sporadic clouds are motionless, they too, don't want to miss this exhilarating predicament. Anticipating the next pitch, intensifying roars from the crowd rumble the stadium... Behind me, the crafty catcher adjusts his stance and spits to the dry dirt. Behind him, the staunch umpire doesn't flinch or even blink; he knows how important his call will be. The pitcher winds up, his grip tells me its gonna curve. The release is fierce! Beads of sweat from his hair and face disperse in every direction as the force of his might is unfailing. My left leg lifts—an instinctual move that will increase the power of my swing. It's all down to my two, bloodshot eyes. They lock onto the speeding, white dot as it instantly becomes the target I intend to destroy. The swing is late, but I manage a solid tip. The ball is taking a fast bounce toward the pitcher who is recovering from the almighty throw! Man on second leaves in a desperate rush! I fling the bat to the side with a sense of urgency and make a mad sprint to the only destination I have—first base. Three defenders race inward to be the first to retrieve the skidding ball. Man is almost on third! I watch the open glove of my adversary, wondering if I’ve done enough to win this race. I switch my attention to his eyes, looking for a clue, some kind of reaction that tells me the ball is in the air and heading his way. All I see is frustration. The deafening roar of the crowd spikes! Something happens that I can’t see! My opponent abandons his post right as my left stride touches the bag. I waste no time turning my head to see the pitcher laying on his stomach, pounding the mound with an open glove. He misses the opportunity to out me and the ball has quickly bounced past him. Excitement grows! This isn’t over yet... It's become an imperative fight to tag out the runner heading homeward. The catcher falls to his knees in obvious despair as he watches my teammate make the run of his life. He knows it’s going to be close when he sees the shortstop fumble the ball a second too long. I jump up and down with no plans on leaving first base. All my chips are on the speed and agility of the active runner. His cleats dig into the dirt, trailing a dust-filled cyclone from the rapid and strenuous strides. With a thrusting dive and an outstretched arm, he lands on his chest to begin the crucial slide to home plate. The shortstop fires the ball to the catcher! It immediately begins closing the gap! Nail-biting doesn't begin to describe the anxious vibe permeating the stadium. The bench begins to celebrate even before he reaches the plate. Forty thousand cheering fans reach maximum crescendo, filling the air with a glorious sound. Everyone knows how this story will end… My teammate is met by the entire bench as his fingers inch across home plate, instantly followed by the unmistakable motion of the catcher's glove attempting to tag him out—its milliseconds too late. The ump swings his arms outward, officially calling him safe.
By Lamar Wiggins4 days ago in Fiction
Comments (10)
Raw and emotional! Kind of like a teenager. lol This certainly fits the bill for the #10 prompt. Good job!
I hated school but I loved the learning. Learning is key even if you never use it.
It doesnt matter what we learn at school - we need to be learning HOW to learn. How to appraise information, how to hear beyond our echo chambers, how to make use of our brains.
Education is indeed a conditioning program arising from the establishment. Take what you need and leave the rest to those who like to stand in lines. Always think for yourself! Well-wrought!
I felt the visceral realness and honesty you poured into this. You are only young once, follow your dreams whether that's at school or someplace else. Live in the moment and enjoy your youth. But keep an eye on your future. Save back a little to plan for it. Because you will be there one day. Loved your poem, great work.
Good job, Anna!
This was so poignant and emotional! Loved your poem so much!
I also learned a lot. After 45 years, I can say a lot of unnecessary things, but also a lot of useful ones. What we don't know at a young age is what we're going to need in life. No one can know that. When I was younger, my job was to learn and I often didn't like it. Now I have to work, but I would love to learn again...
This is how life works .... Ouch. I felt that. I love this poem. Its restless and powerful.
Brilliant work, Anna.