Shohei’s Plea

by Rajesh C. Oza

In memory of “Fiddler on the Roof’s” Sheldon Harnick, 1924-2023

Trademaker, Trademaker
Find me a team,
Catch me a win.

Trademaker, Trademaker
Look to your scouts.
And make me a perfect trade.

Night after night on the Halos I’m alone
So find me a match,
Of my own.

I’ll bring my arm,
My big bat, too.
Bring me a ring
For I’m longing to be,
The envy of all I see.

For Papa,
Make me a winner.
For Mama,
Make me rich as a king.

For me, well,
I wouldn’t holler
If just once I wore a World Series ring.

Trademaker, Trademaker
Find me a team,
Catch me a win.

Trademaker, Trademaker
Look to your scouts.
And make me a perfect trade.

Dr. Oza is a management consultant and facilitates the interpersonal dynamics of MBAs at Stanford University. His novel, Double Play, will be published in 2024 by Chicago’s Third World Press.