Bill McNulty

My hope, the life we lead would make our Dad proud

Deeds we do, verses we write stand out in the crowd

Consider the name we take and the names we give

Our daily actions are a reflection of the life we live

Life teaches a good name only takes you so far

Life also says step up and show who you are

Sometimes wondering what in our history we find

Wondering what in our name will be left behind

Done in your name can bring you fame or shame

Dad’s words with me, Keep your head in the game

The baseball game starts as the ump yells Play Ball

Pitch after pitch, teams may await the ump’s call

You can hear that fastball hit the catcher’s mitt

Crack of the bat and the batter with a two-base hit

Dad’s coaching voice in my ear, many a yesterday

Announcer’s radio voice calling game play by play

Favorite player and the fans cheer for by a nickname

7^th inning, the crowd sings Take me out to the ball game

Still the fan excitement when the ball game begins.

Better yet, the fan applause when your team wins

Debate, that should be the only route to take.

Agree or disagree, that’s your choice to make

Speak up and let us hear what you must share.

Passion in your voice and we will know you care.

Ideas, opinions, facts, may help us all understand

Maybe, just maybe, our own platform will expand

May there always be options for all to really explore.

If worthy and wise, words you should  never ignore

Silence is a voice that can never be heard.

Speak up and you may have the last word.

Blinking turn signal and no turn made

Those cars never get a passing grade

Car changes lanes forgeting how a signal works

So do we list those forgetful drivers dumb jerks

How about that left light blinking and they turn right

Who knows which way they will go at that stoplight

When in doubt, you just let that turning vehicle pass

Other times, to get out of the way, you step on the gas

Using those turn signals gives us all a lot less stress

Yep, it sure does beat that system of your best guess.

They skipped a session in all those driving schools.

I, of course, ALWAYS obey all those driving rules.

Imagine this poet being sued in a brand new TV ad.

Just because two lines don’t totally rhyme, so sad.

I thought the lines worked, legal action was adVERSE

Just checking, tell me, does verse rhyme with curse?

Who knew lawyers were reading poems that I write.

Case point, that I am always rewriting to get it right.

Who knew that it was legal action and a crime

If those two poetic lines did not totally rhyme

Who knew all those TV ads would give such legal action

All those reading this have to get my poetic imagination

Even a solid defeat can be a lesson to learn

With experience to gain around every turn

In life, there will always be events with a setback

Study, learn, think and soon you are back on track

Game day, practice, even when you are outscored

Practice, train and game day stats can’t be ignored

The wrong words in a speech can be a great lesson

Rewrite, rehearse, next time spot on without question

That extra effort when you can think on your feet

Always be aware and learning, even in a defeat