 |
| In Memory of Joe DiMaggio, 1914-1999 |
The smell of pine tar
And the feel of smooth ash
Imprinted into their genetic code.
Joltin’ Joe defined greatness,
A worthy successor to Ruth and Gehrig.
Fearless in the face of any competitor,
But with the dignity and silent strength
That epitomized men of his generation,
Numbers that would be the envy
Of any of the chemically enhanced
Pretenders on the diamond today.
Cancer, however, is a merciless opponent,
The one that finally struck
The great DiMaggio out for the last time.
10 comments:
Mary, you've got that right. Cancer is a merciless opponent, a formidable foe. It brings down even the strongest, has no compassion.
A fine tribute to a man who made the sport, and as you say, never met a steroid in his life. I know squat about baseball, but I remember Mr DiMaggio and the era very well--I always wondered how it felt for him to have lived so much longer than Marilyn.
What a great ending! I'm so glad you wrote on such a unique topic. Very creative.
"Cancer, however, is a merciless opponent" ... So true.
~Shawna
rosemarymint.wordpress.com
ah now this is lovely...i love baseball...went to a game yesterday (college) and spent the afternoon replaying it in the front yard with my son...baseball screams spring to me....this one was very nice...
what a great tribute to this man...i have to admit to have never watched a single baseball game in my life..that's because germany is more the soccer nation...thoroughly enjoyed your piece..
Nice tribute, Mary. I loved baseball when I was a kid. Joe was just before my time, but of course I heard all about him. The Mick, Rog, Yogi, Bobby, Clete, Whitey, Tony; all of them were my heros. I don't even watch the game or follow it anymore. Sad.
Love your poem!
Cancer sure is a merciless opponent.
Nice memory of the man and that year ~
Happy Sunday ~
Great player and a great poem to remember him. Thanks for sharing it.
Excellent tribute!
cancer even takes the heroes
three cultural revolutionay tanka
Post a Comment