Today's poem: an old, old song lyric -

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is a 1908 Tin Pan Alley song by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer which has become the unofficial anthem of North American baseball, although neither of its authors had attended a game before writing the song. The song's chorus is traditionally sung as part of the seventh-inning stretch of a baseball game. Fans are generally encouraged to sing along, and at some ballparks, the words "home team" are replaced with the team name.

Katie Casey was baseball mad, Had the fever and had it bad. Just to root for the home town crew, Ev'ry sou Katie blew. On a Saturday her young beau Called to see if she'd like to go To see a show, but Miss Kate said "No, I'll tell you what you can do:"

Chorus

Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd; Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don't care if I never get back. Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win, it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game.

The 7th Inning stretch is a cheery tradition at games: be prepared to know the lyrics, to stand up, and to sing lustily a la 1908 vintage, possibly with gentle swaying and fraternal hugs / arm linking. (It's a bit like the Sign of Peace - but in the cathedral of baseball instead of a church). Also be prepared for some celebrity to louse up the anthem.

Here's a Covid-safe version for now.

Take me out to the ball game Take me out with the crowd Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks I don't care if I never get back Let me root, root, root For the home team If they don't win it's a shame Aahh For it's one, Two, Three strikes you're out At the old ball game