A little boy holding a cheap plastic bat
standing in his patchy yard,
surrounded by jagged outfield walls
and the piercing sounds of sirens.
First base is a rock halfway submerged in the dirt.
Second base is a rusted hubcap he found in the street.
Third base is the corner of his peeling trailer.
Home, a broken piece of plywood.
He plays until the sun goes down.

A grown man holding a solid maple bat
standing in an emerald diamond,
surrounded by padded outfield walls
and the breathtaking sounds of cheering fans.
First base is pearl white and guaranteed.
Second base is dust stained and questionable.
Third base is being guarded and out of the question.
Home, the place he stood 
holding his cheap plastic bat.