if big papi were a poet :: on cleats & beats
if big papi were a poet :: on cleats & beats
By Jen Schneider
if big papi were a poet / he’d swing hard / cut & curate haiku / to be named later / that drop like
ballpark teams (& themes) / well-oiled webs & seams / & play by play memes / social & soil in
staccato, all steroids banned / broadcasters on repeat / quotes on parade / amidst rain delays &
the power to persuade / mats dusted, mitts darned / packed stands on display / bleacher seats
heavy with over-greased, extra-salted treats / peanuts & popcorn snap then crackle / lyrics (glory
days & centerfield) & layers (polyester stripes) linger / designated hits (at bat) & stripes (in the
small pockets of air where legends make moments) / strings played & strides made of twins &
sox / left hands & silver sluggers / mvps & all-stars / grand-slams & thirty-four threads /
generational reflections & reflection-proof shades / index fingers pointed high / eyes on the sky /
if big papi were a poet
fly balls glisten steal seventeen beats
share wind our (one) city
sky rubber soles
of butterflies cleats slide
bases & bats
& hearts of infinite souls
fly balls share wind rubber soles
of butterflies & bats steal seventeen bases
our (one) city & hearts of infinite souls
Jen Schneider is an educator who lives, writes, and works in small spaces throughout Pennsylvania. Recent works include A Collection of Recollections, Invisible Ink, On Habits & Habitats, and Blindfolds, Bruises, and Breakups. She is the 2022-2023 Montgomery County (PA) Poet Laureate.
The Twin Bill is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. You can support The Twin Bill by donating here.