a field of cut grass

it was always

the cut

grass that you smelled on

those fall

days,

before the first practice, 

before the chalk

lines were laid

for games.

the pads

and helmet on.

fast and strong,

elusive

with an arm to toss

the ball.

we were boys.

and we still are, wishing

to go back

in time to

play again, to smell

the cut

grass once more.