first inning

it takes forever,
the game.
the scratch the pull
the digging
of cleats
in the dirt,
we need another new ball.
gloves unwrapped
then wrapped,
gnats are pushed away,
time is called.
start over.
a swing, a miss, foul ball.
another
and another.
spit and adjust everything
one more
time before
a pitch is thrown.
the clock
moves deep into the night.
inning one.