The Homestretch

©2024 Susan Noyes Anderson

image by Mick Haput on Unsplash

Our souls break free
like home runs
knocked to earth from outer space.
We sail away from heaven
bright-eyed, focused on first base.
The field glides by as our steps fly
around one corner bend.
Second’s in sight, but that’s all right.
We’re decades from the end.
The bases serve to guide us home,
but we must tag each one.
No worries, though. We came to win.
We’re gonna get it done.

We’re all meant to be closers in
this home run we call life.
But what’s up? Rounding third base,
I’m encountering some strife.
I know I’m headed for home plate;
that’s where I want to be.
My life plan is to land intact –
sure-footed, solidly.
I’m not content to slide in
on the chance I’ll hit the edge.
But it’s hard to find my balance now.
This field has turned to ledge.

And I feel like a worn-out player,
grinding past her time.
wondering if I did enough
when I was in my prime.
I thought I’d finish like a boss,
giving the game my best –
magnifying every talent,
acing every test.
But time is short: three bases gone
and home plate looming large.
Each step I took (or didn’t) falls to me.
I was in charge.

And I still am. In this last stretch,
I want to be more sure
to own each step
and make it count
in ways that will endure.
Then, safe at home plate, met by One
who watched my every play,
I’ll see the truth there in His eyes
and know I’ve won the day.
The clock is ticking. Not a problem.
Every hour is new.
I’ll take the grand slam, load my bases.
That’s what I came to do.

∞§∞

If The Homestretch resonated with you, you might also enjoy On Finishing Well. You can also find related poems by clicking on one of the pictures and titles below.

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