Black-eyed Susan’s and Yellow heart Daisies,
Naturally grow playing outfield positions these days.
But, Thanks to gift of Homer and Sally
The lovely O’Malley’s out old Potluck Road
They offered some youngsters a choice hunk of land,
Where do it yourselfers might willfully band.
It all began with a penny brigade.
A hand full of kids saved any change they could hustle,
Most of it stored in cans or jars carefully hid-outta-sight!
Back when stickball was still a really big thing,
Pockets bulged…feeding the piggies - so, coins dinged and rattled away,
All for the sake of who’d faithfully play.
The novelty stuck and fence lines were raised.
After the grass grew thick, luscious, green…
A mound, a home plate, a diamond of bases,
Yes, there were dugouts and bleachers too!
The scoreboard was managed by Miss Penny Lagrew…
She knew what the numbers told!
It was after the war, way past the depression.
They finished the 40’s, the 50’s and most of the 60’s.
The towns people all came for the very first call,
When umpires yelled, “Let’s Play Ball!”
For the crack of the bat, for the mood of the crowd, for the snag, the tags, and snapping flag,
For the heat of the sun, for the threat of rain, for moments we stood and sang!
Black-eyed Susan’s and Yellow heart Daisies
Naturally grow playing outfield positions these days.
· Authors Note: No thistle, dandelions, or tumbleweeds were harmed in this fictitious tale!