play ball

the ballpark is pristine
on this
gem of a day in September.
the grass a postcard green.
blue skies, soft breeze,
the sun high and warm
upon the shoulders of
those who anxiously
wait in their seats. it's been
a long season. red hats
are everywhere, each hand
with a cup, a bag, a bite.
where else would they like
to be? nowhere, as we
squeeze into our seats
and rise to sing the national
anthem.