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.
Comments (46)
I'm afraid I missed this one, too, but I always enjoy reading the amazing stories your prompts inspire! Thanks, Poppy!
I don’t know how I missed this, ugh. Can’t wait to read the entries
Oh damn. I am not doing well with deadlines tonight. I missed the Love Unraveled deadline. The Dragons Beside me deadline for my second entry and now this. I have got to get my Sh#t together lol. Anyway this is the piece I wrote if anyone wants to read.https://vocal.media/poets/regret-mz1ho0l5g
CHALLENGE NOW CLOSED. Results will be announced soon, thanks everyone!
Just barely missed the deadline, but I'm pleased I worked in all the prompts, so here's mine: https://vocal.media/poets/another-rainy-day-ht8w0wy3
Here is the extract from my vanilla-inspired piece: https://vocal.media/poets/the-climbing-orchid
I believe it’s 6:40 am AEST (that’s what my phone says) so hopefully this made the cut! But oh well if not! https://vocal.media/poets/queen-of-hearts-9i3x0y8p
Not quite the last minute!😵💫 https://vocal.media/poets/simply-the-best-6qwi0z0t
Hellooooo, here I am, at the final second (as normal, lol). I finally got inspiration! https://vocal.media/poets/solace-5dnw0zbt You are my favorite prompt giver, Vocal Bestie. I've never felt as proud of my poetry as when I write for your prompts (no exaggeration). When I thank you, I mean it sincerely. Thank you for this challenge. ❤️
The case of the disappearing, reappearing and disappearing comment 😵💫… Here’s my effort for Poppy’s Prompts #3… complete with a typo that I have been waiting 10 days to edit!🙃 https://vocal.media/poets/angie-s-antics
https://vocal.media/poets/walk-in-the-woods-2t1y0xn6
Third time's a charm? Just kidding, challenge #2 for me which was super enjoyed with these interesting prompts! I was even able to incorporate all five inside: https://vocal.media/poets/sweet-solace
https://vocal.media/poets/tomorrow-9j3b009iw
Hi Poppy!! Love being part of this again…. And being me, I couldn’t resist using ALL of the words! https://vocal.media/poets/entanglement-ga1zq0y16
another one. https://vocal.media/poets/normal-quiet-day-xyt501k5
Another one. https://vocal.media/poets/compass-always-points-north
Another one. https://vocal.media/poets/spiderwebs-lacy-memories
https://vocal.media/poets/the-webs
A little late in reading this...but the gears are turning... 🧐
I hadn't even realized I used on of the words until I saw your reminder. https://vocal.media/poets/grandma-s-sweet-potato-pie
Thank you for these little spurs to write, Poppy. Really enjoying the exercises and how the help with stretch and consistency. Here's my entry: https://vocal.media/poets/where-the-healing-lives Made it in plenty of time this go round.
Something finally came to me, but four out of the five words was the best I could manage. Even with two spelling options available, mold/mould didn't make the cut. https://vocal.media/poets/holding-on-2l3da0bpb
here ya go! https://vocal.media/poets/derelict-je4w309ea
These are such fun and a bit addictive. Thank you again Poppy! https://vocal.media/poets/derek-s-dinner-with-dad
I have done one...for one word. I won't spoil what word it is...lol..even though it's in the url...whatever. I know what I meant. FFS. lol. Anyway...expect more...these words are good but they've been causing me to think long and hard to avoid sounding too cliched. https://vocal.media/poets/the-mould