The Voice of Bob Sheppard

The Voice of Bob Sheppard

By Matthew Johnson

When we told scary stories to one another, 
We would imitate the groggy growl of our father
When he ordered a breakfast sandwich at the deli on the corner,
Or we would lower our pitch to sound like Bob Sheppard,
The Voice of God at Yankee Stadium: 

Now batting for the New York Yankees,
At shortstop, numbah two. 
Derek Jeter. Numbah two.

I’d like a number three. 
Bacon egg and cheese with orange juice. 
Number three. 

Matthew Johnson is the author of the poetry collections, Shadow Folks and Soul Songs (Kelsay Books), Far from New York State (NYQ Press), and the chapbook, Too Short to Box with God (Finishing Line Press). His work appears/is forthcoming in The African American Review, Front Porch Review, London Magazine, Up the Staircase Quarterly, and elsewhere. He has been recognized with Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize nominations, a scholarship from the Hudson Valley Writers Center, a residency from Sundress Publications, and as a finalist in Grand View University’s Diverse Voices Book Award. He’s the managing editor of The Portrait of New England. Originally from Upstate New York and Connecticut, he now lives in North Carolina, rooting for the Yankees and always having his eyes out for the Mets. matthewjohnsonpoetry.com 

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