The burn in my legs feels like a snake bite

Weight makes me feel sluggish
Run harder we always say
Pain is weakness leaving the body

The sweat tickles my chin
My muscles are weak
And just when I thought I might quit
I keep going

The smell of freshly cut grass fills the air
Dust all around the infield
under the bright sun.
Finally, game day

Bottom of the last inning
The chewed gum and
seeds float through the air
Game tied 2-2

Walking up to bat
The coach flashes me the sign
“Swing away,” he says
I step up and see the pitch

Crack a fastball off the bat
As it shoots off and flies
over the center field fence 
Only the sound of cheers I hear

Rounding third I see
The team huddled at home
Closer to home plate
cheers get louder and louder

Shaking sweaty palms
they offer sportsmanship
“Well played,” they say
With somber faces

We are heading to the state tournament!
The defeated team, heads down
traipse to the dugout
Victory has shined upon us