He would have been 83 today. But he died, young. Too young.
And in my mind and in my heart I can see him still, the young man, who I saw live,
Asserting his rights in a racist society
Demanding that all people be treated with dignity and justice
Reaching out to people pushed to the margin by oppression and natural disaster
And in my mind and in my heart I see him still, the young man, who I saw live,
Patrolling the field of green with grace and passion
Slicing a line drive into the gap
Chasing flies with reckless abandon
Arms pumping, racing around the bases
And unleashing laser throws to the infield that froze runners in place or cut them down if they were foolish enough to try to advance
In my mind and in my heart I see him still
And seeing him, the young man, mist forms in my eyes
and my smile broadens
and my spirit soars.
Gracias, Roberto
Feliz cumpleaños.
See you along the Trail.
The photo comes from the Pittsburgh Pirates Facebook page.
Along the Graybeard Trail 