Release Point

Release Point

James Scruton

Thanks to hi-def slo-mo,
we witness the ball roll
seam by seam
 
from his grip,
some analyst saying the obvious
about command, control,
 
about how much depends upon
a pitcher’s release point.
As so much does
 
for each of us, sending word
or feeling into the world
to be caught
 
or swung at, put in play,
that proper fraction
of a fraction of a second
 
difficult to put a finger on.
Michelangelo showed us,
his Adam’s hand
 
not reaching across the ceiling
of the Sistine Chapel
but letting go.

---

James Scruton recently retired and has returned to his native Midwest, where he writes and watches baseball, among other pursuits.

Jason David Córdova lives in Puerto Rico as an illustrator and painter. Some of his art can be seen on Instagram at @jasoni72. You can visit his shop on Red Bubble.

Subscribe to our newsletter:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

The Twin Bill is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. You can support The Twin Bill by donating here.