THE pitcher stood upon the mound, And scowled upon the batter— The pitcher murmured, "Here is where Mind triumphs over matter— For every day in every way I pitch 'em all the faster— I'll bring this slugger off his perch And fan him to disaster!" The batter glowered and shook his stick, And hissed, "I'll cool his ardor— For every day in every way I hit 'em hard and harder! It will not matter if he throws A straight one or a fooler— I'll smash it, and I'll drive this bird To hunt the water-cooler!" Envoi: They had each other buffaloed—the scene was hugely rich— The batter couldn't lift the bat, the pitcher couldn't pitch— And there they stood, in mystic thrall, until the hour grew late, And then the maddened umpire spoke—and gave them both the gate! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NEW APOCRYPHA: BERENICE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS DESERT FLOWERS by KEITH CASTELLAINE DOUGLAS TO MY HONOURED FRIEND DR. CHARLETON by JOHN DRYDEN AT THE WEDDING MARCH by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS A DIRGE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |