When I grow up
dare to dream
When I grow up, I want to be a thesaurus,
A veritable wordsmithing dinosaur.
I'd know every difference, distinction and nuance,
Between the shades of cherish, admire, adore.
Everyone would come to me seeking clarity,
I'd smile and spin out synonyms and antonyms, en masse.
Questions would come to me daily,
Pleading, begging, imploring for world-class.
If someone was feeling quite happy,
I'd help them figure out, examine, explore.
Were they a hint of joyful, delighted, contented?
Or would I be searching for a word like adore?
Maybe they'd be writing a thriller
on a dark and dreary, wet day,
They'd need descriptors of menace aplenty,
I'd find peril, risk, hazard–all great to convey!
Shades of blue you're now needing and wanting?
Lapis, cerulean, aqua, or navy might do.
Let me keep thinking, pondering, ruminating,
I might come up with a dozen more hues that are new.
And if you have deep feelings of sadness,
I'd be there to commiserate, sympathize and console,
Surround you with so many comforts,
It would be my absolute, utmost, primary goal.
Maybe you're curious about a current-day phrasing,
What's drippin', bussin', rent-free?
Lowkey, I'd need to consult and confer with my cousin,
Urban dictionary would spill all the tea.
Whatever your needs, whatever your must-haves,
I'd guide you to satisfactory conclusion.
And at the end of the day, I'd hope you're well on your way
To seeming highbrow, bookish, wise-a profusion!
Yes, it's my biggest dream, my deepest ambition,
I love words and want to share them with you.
Maybe instead of pining away, hoping to be a thesaurus,
I'll be a poet, they're marvels at using words too.
____________________________________________________
Just a silly little tribute to my good friend, the thesaurus.
* * * * * *
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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 Wiggins7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (46)
What a fun read! How did this slip by me? Well, let me offer my very belated congratulations!
Might have to share this with my students. Cute and playful. Loved it.
Very cute and makes me want to be a thesaurus too
Cute understable.
What a great dream
Mmmmm... This poem was straight bussin'. Certainly lackin' no flavor at all. Hammer out those words, coin those phrases, dare to be Shakespearin' with no fear in You at all.
Very well done, my friend and congratulations.
This is great. Very clever!
I imagine this as a cute little illustrated storybook :)
What an amazing aspiration! This poem was absolutely delightful to read!! LOVED this!
I love the whimsy! I found this to be such a joy to read
A beautiful poem on the theme of growing up! The idea of embracing the present while looking forward to the future is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your words.
I loooove this! The photo too 🤣 I use PowerThesaurus.com - if you haven’t tried it I highly recommend.
Such a bubbly poem! Well done and congrats, Heather!
Congrats on your top story
"I'd help them figure out, examine, explore. Were they a hint of joyful, delighted, contented? Or would I be searching for a word like adore?" Such a great poem Heather! <3
This is wonderful!
Wowwww, this was so brilliant and so YOU! I loved the concept of this piece. A very fun tribute to the thesaurus!
Congratulations of Top Story - this was so sweet and fun too 😊
Congratulations on Top Story, my friend!! This one is so clever and so deserving!! 🥰
So charming & well-written! Congrats on your Top Story! BRAVO! 😁💛
Omg the cute lil dinosaur! Lol, this was an adorable read. I can see how it got top stories :). Congrats Heather. I'm so proud of you. And you inspire me every time I read one of your pieces to become a better writer.
Cute and clever! A diamond ditty!! 💎 love it. ❤️
Congrats on your top story!!!
I've loved the phrase "Wordsmith" since forever and here you are raising the bar yet again - what wonderful piece of art you have graced us with thank you and kudos!