When practice started they weren't even a team,
Just 20 small children, each one with a dream.
They worked on their game three evenings a week.
Their running and hitting and catching they'd tweak.

They ate and slept baseball, they dreamed it all day.
They asked, "How many days till the first game we play?"
Each one got a uniform. The team's name was sewn on.
Pictures were taken, with the team and alone.

Preparation was done and the big day was here.
The anxious excitement on each face was clear.
They stepped out on the field, each one looking their best.
All set to be great and outshine the rest.

The big game was starting and everyone smiled.
Such a big day in the life of a child.
You might not believe this, but I promise it's true.
As the pitcher wound up and the first ball flew ~ ~

~ ~ the game was forgotten, bats and gloves hit the ground
and every child out on the field turned around.
A sweet baby bunny hopped into the outfield that day,
& all the big ball players just wandered away!

©Paula McCarty