On Saturday morning of Game 1,
I ride my bike out to Malia’s house
to practice early,
so I have enough time
to get back before the first pitch.
The town is getting ready,
and most of the shops have signs
CLOSING EARLY—GO GIANTS!
My grandfather says maybe he’ll work instead,
that he’s got many watches to fix.
The sun is out, the air cool,
and I pedal fast.
I feel like someone else,
someone who can talk
whenever he wants.
My heart feels stronger,
and my mind is clear.
I pedal so hard,
the dirt on the road
makes clouds
in the sunlight behind me.
I round the corner, my head turned
to see the dragon mailbox,
but instead, there’s a man there
standing in front,
a steaming cup in his hand.