the centerfielder

he was a pretty good
center fielder
in high school.
fast, good arm.
great anticipation.
so when you hear
from the grapevine
that he's passed
away after living
in a trailer in florida
for the past
ten years it startles
you.
you don't want it
to end that way.
not just for him,
but for anyone.
you want all of us
to remain healthy
and young
waiting to
snag the next chance
while smacking
our leather glove
in the summer sun.