by Danny Rockett
The Lake Isle of Innisfirstbase
by Ellen Adair
With apologies to William Butler Yeats
I will arise and walk now, and walk like Bryce and Rhys;
And the outside pitches take there, with a patient-eyed approach;
Nine pitches will I foul off; then ball four below the knees;
And stand alone with the first-base coach.
Aaron Nola Has the Flu
by Ellen Adair
With apologies to Percy Shelley and his “Adonais”
I weep for Aaron Nola — he is sick!
Oh, weep for Aaron Nola! though our tears
Thaw not the hand sanitizer we affix.
And thou, sad offseason, selected from all years
To bum us out, rouse thy obscure compeers,
And teach them thine own sorrow, say: “With me
Does Aaron have the flu; though it appears
He might miss a spring start, his curveball shall be
An echo and a light unto eternity!”
(Editor Error! First submitted Sept. 25, 2020)
Ellen Adair is an actor, with recurring roles on shows like “The Sinner,” “Homeland,” and “Bull,” and a contributing analyst to the MLB Network show “Off Base.” Their book of poetry, Curtain Speech, is available from Pen & Anvil Press. They also host the podcasts “Take Me In to the Ballgame” and “Love Takes Action,” and draws baseball players by commission.
Time is Money, Part CCLXXVII
by Jim Siergey
Originally printed in the Chicago Baseball Magazine, March 30, 2023.
Do Not Hit Gently into That Ground Out
by Ellen Adair
With apologies to Dylan Thomas
Do not hit gently into that ground out,
The ball should fly, although you’re down today;
Rage, rage against losing in a rout.
Though wise men know they can’t all be Mike Trout,
Because hard contact is most productive, they
Do not hit gently into that ground out.
Ellen Adair is an actor, with recurring roles on shows like “The Sinner,” “Homeland,” and “Bull,” and a contributing analyst to the MLB Network show “Off Base.” Their book of poetry, Curtain Speech, is available from Pen & Anvil Press. They also host the podcasts “Take Me In to the Ballgame” and “Love Takes Action,” and draws baseball players by commission.