An Athlete

I stand at home plate
And my heart is pounding fast
The sweat is coming down my face
It’s my turn at last

The bases are loaded
The mission has been set
I need to get a hit
But tonight I haven’t got one yet

My mom, dad, and coach can no longer help
I stand all alone
Just one hit in right center
Could send my teammates home

The ball reaches the plate
It comes in fast
I turn my hips
And take a swing at last

I hear the ump call
Strike two
I say to myself that was your pitch
I can’t believe you let it get past you

So I step out the box
Take a deep breath and close my eyes
I hear my dads’ voice scream
You can’t watch them go by

I then hear him say
Come on and watch the ball
Don’t just stand there
You’re not an athlete at all

This is no longer a game
This is no longer fun
It is about your ability
And in the end it matters who won

But remember I am just a kid
I am only fifteen
I am not the only player
That’s why they call this a team

So open your heart
And give me a break
It is moments like this
An athlete you can make