Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VERS LIBRE OF BASEBALL, by WILLIAM A. PHELON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VERS LIBRE OF BASEBALL, by                    
First Line: The veteran stands forth and swings a bat
Last Line: "get outa here!"
Subject(s): Athletes; Baseball; Competition; Sports


THE veteran stands forth and swings a bat
Tremendous.
Horrendous.
Yea, it might e'en be styled portendous.
Loud rolls his welcome through the gratulating crowd,
"Hit it, old boy—we're with you, and we know
Your awful blow
Will knock the pitcher tottering from the slab
Into some taxicab
Bearing him from the field to some cool spot
Where managers intrude their faces not,
And the slow gurgle of the beer
Gives happiness, relief, and cheer."
The veteran bows low, and pounds his bat
Upon the plate. Comes a sardonic call:
"Aw, do not hit the plate, you Mesozoic pelican, but hit The ball!"
He glares upon the pitcher, and his ash
Meets the hurled leather with a fearful crash.
Is it a homer? Nope. A little foul
Right in the catcher's mitt. Hark to the howl
That rises: "Antiquated mutt,
Back to the Zoo!
The monkey-house claims you!
Your usefulness departed ere the golden time
When Uncle Anson entered on his prime!
Get Outa Here!"





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