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Poetics Presents

Patrick Lawler

Patrick Lawler is a new-old poet and writer of fiction, new in the sense of seeking publication and old (born 1964) in every sense of the word. He has had one short story published in the anthology, "The Shortest Stories of Love and Death."

No Time The hot corner is hers; limitless range, a virtuous glove and a cannon for a right arm says so. She ages with each pitch, every possible scenario played out in her head before the pitcher ever goes set. No surprises allowed, her head and a passed ball the cost. Might live through the first but the second would surely kill her. Infallible. The Pope, her coach calls her. Bottom of the last, precarious single run lead, tying run atop third. The Pope’s mitt rest lightly on the infield, her heels rise as the pitcher winds. Batter shifts a shoulder and she gambles. Full speed charging in, guessed right, batter squares to bunt. Surprise -- bat back with speed -- half-swing head-hunting. Fifteen feet and closing fast when ball meets sweet spot and hurdles at her head. No time -— no passed balls. A frozen rope. Off her feet and down. The ball in her bare hand. Game. Copyright © 2000 Patrick Lawler