Ten Cent Beer Night

Ten Cent Beer Night

C. M. Gigliotti

Cleveland’s a hell I love in June. The air I breathe
would’ve killed anyone that half-century ago (not all
diamond dust clouds are created equal) but I’m
built for it. In fact, I’m damn near Z, getting my history
from Substacks about traditions that gave my ancestors
the bright idea to bring up kids there. What were they
thinking, creating the world like that? The line is finer
than we could’ve guessed between opening the gate and
breaching the dugout. A land flowing with something
like milk and honey, but Sodom and Gomorrah were
proud too. I almost see Billy Martin’s lips shaping
look out stranger I’m a Texas Ranger as he mounted
his rescue charge. It’s thanks to nights like this that we
invent a need for gladiators today. As if everyone had
a cause to fight for and no one had a last judgment to face.
 
3 April 2024
in memory of 4 June 1974

C. M. Gigliotti is a multi-hyphenate artist with degrees from Central Connecticut State University and the Writers Institute at Susquehanna University. Her work has lately appeared in Rough Cut Press, Vernacular, CommuterLit, MEMEZINE, and Beatdom. Her parents hail from Cleveland and Cincinnati respectively and remain devoted to their teams. She herself now lives in Berlin, Germany, and misses baseball.

Elliot Lin is a college student who spends their free time musing about sports and how they shape or reflect identity. You can find their other baseball-related illustrations here, on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.

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