-three outs-

two a side.

the curbstone's edge is a blunt force

meant to rip a hollow, rubber "Pinky" in half at its seam.

sponge pinky's are never allowed.

the name of it should be changed to "Spongey"

in order to protect the integrity of the Pinky.

when hit, no one can predict where the Pinky will go;

one can only predict where one would like it to go.

Niles Bohr theorized: one can only predict where it might go.

the lifespan of the Pinky can not be accurately measured.

some live for a week. some for a day.

when fatso Freddy DeGata plays, one hit might be the end.

 

the curbstone's granite is roughly cut, home made,

but worn by time and weather.

the play is at the angles of the granite's protrusions.

when the Pinky hits the edge of stone like that,

you feel the hit, sense it nearly as the feel of the bat

in your hands when it meets the baseball.

this is the beauty of the Pinky.

its skin is sensitive to the touch.

its scent is inviting.

its pink hue sings of "stickball" and "three outs",

but strangely, like the ball in pick-up baseball,

only one Pinky will be brought to the game.

Samph's Variety on Covel Street just beyond

the Son's of Italy Hall has them hanging

high enough in a wire basket behind the crowded

counter where only he could reach them.

Quequechan