Earned or walked
the player does not balk
at getting safe to base
avoiding the embarrassed
strike out

Yet the journey around
the bases just begun
stays not safely hung like
a pennant

Rested or weary
the player does not curry
favor from coach, team, or stands by
avoiding the demands to try and
reach next base

Unrelenting the journey continues as
the bases must be run to
the demand, "Play ball!" or to
"Batter up!"

Advanced or stolen
the player does not foreknow
how only that one must
avoid the dangerous trap
between bases

The journey to the next
base safely begins unsafe as
the player takes a risk to
lead off

Leaning and stretching
like a marionette the player dances
chances leaving the safe base
risks running toward
the next base

The player's journey depends
not on what was but will be
reached before the final call,
"You're out!"

Sweat and dirt
testify to the player's efforts
courage and moxie to lead
leave and risk moving forward until
the winning run victoriously crosses
home plate