~~~
The cold spring air
Invites us to play
But brings out the crazed
This one fine day.
~~~
As day turns to night
As shadows fall
The fields are ready
They wait and stand tall.
~~~
Mothers bring their young
The ones they gave birth
Raised and loved
Introduced to the Earth.
~~~
They know they must leave
But are worried and scared
The prey comes to devour
As if nobody cared.
~~~
The young ones are herded
In to cages of wire
Some are nervous
Others rage with fire.
~~~
A tamer stands before them
Barks and glares
He chews and spits
Growls and swears.
~~~
Another tribe stands
Ready with arm
They're out to win
Kill and do harm.
~~~
Soon the war will begin
Between the two packs
The presure is on
They await the crack.
~~~
Two peacemakers
Step to the center
One is the 'Hawk'
The other 'Tormentor'.
~~~
The field understands
It's job tonight
To watch the two clans
Battle and fight.
~~~
They take position
This moment is it
No one can back out
No one can quit.
~~~
The first on the list
Is up for the kill
They've practiced this
Drill after Drill.
~~~
They divert the bullet
Survive the shoot
Race like a jag
The team gives a hoot.
~~~
The animals are wild
They go crazed in their cage
They bounce off the walls
Play on their stage.
~~~
The jaguar races
From base to base
He and the bullet
Are in a race.
~~~
They reach home
An ultimate crime
They survived the first mission
Will they next time?
~~~
Like children they play
And mess in the dirt
One little smudge
It couldn't hurt.
~~~
The tamer is mad
He is in a rage
Their war paint is ruined
It is back to the cage.
~~~
They eat and refuel
Energy they store
The battle is over
They can't take much more.
~~~
The civilians watch
Scream and cheer
Some are happy
Some cry a tear.
~~~
Those who survive
Are enemies no more
Those that were hurt
Drop to the floor.
~~~
These battles are faught
To separate the weak from the strong
For those passionate ones
This is where they belong.
~~~
One side has won
'Till death did they fight
Victory they called it
That one sweet night.
~~~
So why do they do it?
This severe they resort
Why it's for the love
The love of the sport!
~~~
Dedicated to: SOFTBALL
By Ruth.
May 15 1998