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42 From 90, a poem by Christopher Stolle


Editor's note: Today is the 100th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's birth.

42 From 90
by Christopher Stolle

Jackie ran toward home
his cleats stubborn
his pants fashionably dirty
his cap racing behind him

the fans bewildered
the pitcher stunned
the catcher confused
by such disregard for decorum

the third base coach livid
cursing, stomping, chasing
after his charge

the teammates swarming
the coach retreating
the manager fainting

the umpire extending his arms
to take flight with Jackie


Bio: Christopher Stolle’s writing has appeared most recently in Tipton Poetry Journal, Flying Island, Edify Fiction, Contour, The New Southern Fugitives, The Gambler, Gravel, The Light Ekphrastic, Sheepshead Review, and Plath Poetry Project. He works as an acquisitions and development editor for Penguin Random House, and he lives in Richmond, Indiana.