My Second Inning

My Second Inning

Padded up and ready to go,

I walk with my partner by my side.

Afraid, nervous? – not really,

But a smidge anxious? Sure as hell.

I am thankful to the Captain

For His confidence in me,

Giving me a second chance in spite of

My middling first inning.

 “Don’t watch the scoreboard!

Don’t be scared!

It is just a game;

Go have fun!!”

His words had been simple,

And straight to the point.

Hadn’t grasped their import,

Glad I can do so now.

I realize that, all along,

My partner had been the steadying hand

That anchored our innings
And helped me play.

I plan on giving her

More of the strike,

Support, stand back and admire

Her day in the middle.

There is a crowd, no doubt

Family, fans, and quite a few friends

To clap and cheer and egg me on

And to stand by me come what may

The pitch is imperfect–

It was never pristine and looks more worn now,

With ugly scuffs and threatening cracks;

No chance of an even bounce

The field is different–

That’s for sure.

What was once a deep point

Is nothing but a silly point

The harmless, deep fine leg,

Which favored my sideward glance,

Is, now, I find out,

A treacherous crouched short leg.

Time, time,

Time is the key.

I’ve got to bat time;

Can’t ever forget it.

The ball may reverse,

Stop, turn, and soar,

Or, like a hissing cobra

Skid and strike.

I am smarter now

Than the first go around;

I won't be fooled by a half volley

That lands just short and swings away.

The spinner, Ah- I can handle,

I don’t mind the flipper,

And his googly, I can pick

From a mile afar

There is no shame in blocking,

For, survival is the key;

If I miss a loose ball,

I won’t fret but wait for the next.

But, I know for a fact

That there will be

A straighter one

Right in my reach.

I won't be scared to step forward,

Bend my knees if need be,

To drive it with all that I’ve got

To pierce the cover and extra cover too.

…Venkat Srinivasan