This is a story/poem I wrote for children.

The Game

Susan had an older brother

His name was Tyler Lee

He played with frogs and lizards (YUK!)

And ate lunch up in a tree (He’s weird)

They had a friendly dog, named Scamp

Who stayed by Susan’s side

She took Scamp with her everywhere

Showed her off with girlish pride

One day while at the softball field

Ty’s team did come up short

Two fielders they were missing

They needed players to import

So he asked his sister Susan

If she’d help him out that day

Would she like to be a fielder?

For the trophy, would she play?

She said she’d do it gladly

On two conditions, she did add

That Scamp could be there with her

And they invite their Mom and Dad

Ty moaned and groaned a little

But no other choice he knew

He gave Sue his extra mitt

And a pair of baseball shoes

To Scamp he gave a bandana

In the colors of the team

And sent her out to centerfield

Where not too clearly she'd be seen

The game was going nicely

Though their team was down by one

They got the bases loaded

But they couldn’t get a run

Then in the final inning

With the other team at bat

Scamp caught the long-gone fly ball

Three out, three batters flat

Still down by one and out of time

It was Susan’s turn at bat

Ty was standing out on first

Two strikes, the count was at

Then in the stands she heard the cries

Of the fans, plus Mom and Dad

She knew she had to make the hit

Or no vic’try would be had

From behind she heard loud barking

Scamp remained her loyal fan

And Tyler yelled “I love you, Sis”

“You’ll get the hit, I know you can”

With her confidence restored

And fresh rosin on her hand

She stepped up to the plate

Line drive, her focused plan

Here comes the pitch, her bat connects

Loud crack rings through the air

The ball is going, going, gone

She raced home without a care

And standing there to greet her

Was the team, plus Mom and Dad

She and Scamp, were the heroes

League trophies, they now had

Susan said the best part of it all

Was wearing Tyler’s mitt

And when she was feeling scared and weak

His love helped her get the hit

So, now upon the mantle, stand

Three trophies, and a glove

While Tyler, Scamp and Susan 

Share the bond of family love

Sherry Gail Heim

September 19, 2004

Copyright © Sherry Gail Heim 2004

The moral of this story is:

Always believe in yourself. 

Help your family, even if you think they are weird. 

Always be true to your friends. 

...and above all, remember that love can make miracles happen.