Slugger

By Bonny Dahlsurd

It is such a happy day When the fam’ly gets together (Children’s Songbook, page 199).

It was six o’clock on Friday

when she went up to bat.

Her muscles sure were mighty

as she straightened out her hat.

She dusted off home plate

and wiped a sweaty brow.

She swung a little late—

“Strike one” the call was now.

She squinted at the pitcher,

she popped her bubble gum,

she kicked dirt past the catcher,

and then she finally swung.

“Strike two,” the umpire shouted,

though two strikes for her are rare.

But the batter only pouted,

and she gave a deadly stare.

The third ball didn’t pass her

as she choked up on the bat.

Her tanned muscles made a ripple,

and then the ball went splat!

I heard the fans get louder

as the ball sailed out of sight.

I watched her round the bases

with a whoop of sheer delight.

Mom giggled; then she hugged me.

Dad ruffled up my hair.

My family sure went crazy

when that ball shot through the air.

I felt my cheeks get hot. I blushed—

I always feel like that.

I’m proud and yet embarrassed

when Grandma’s up at bat.

Illustrated by Brad Teare