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South Fork Poetry: ‘The Rub’

By Bruce Buschel

I just hit Jamie McElroy in the ribs.

I am rubbing the ball when my father

arrives at the mound, his frustration

with a son who can’t find home

apparent in his gait and gaze.

 

I walked three batters before I hit

Jamie McElroy and want to dig a hole

and disappear. What I get is a pep

talk that ends with You made this

mess, now you clean it up.

 

Thirty-five years later, I am standing

in line at the bank with paycheck in

hand, wondering what Jamie McElroy

is up to. You’re right, Dad. I made

this mess. But you didn’t help any.

 

 

Bruce Buschel is a writer, producer, director, and restaurateur who lives in Bridgehampton.

 

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