I Grew Up

by Barbara Gregorich

I grew up in large backyards
with fields nearby
and open spaces.

I grew up with bats and balls
with neighbor kids
and unfenced spaces.

I grew up with white and black
with pickup games
in unblocked spaces.

I grew up with a batter’s stance
and hit away
to unfilled spaces.

I grew up with long-ball blasts
that led my eyes
to equal places.

From Barbara’s latest book (which is not all about baseball, she warns), Crossing the Skyway.