Where are the Shadows?

Where are the shadows from the upper deck

Creeping toward the mound?

Where is the neatly checkered grass

Covering the hallowed ground?

Where are the men in topcoats and hats,

Shoulder to shoulder in every row?

Where is the President’s box?

Does he no longer care to go?

Where is the visible breathing

Caused by a nip in the air?

Where is our focused nation?

Why don’t all sports fans care?

Where is that boy in the classroom

With a radio to his ear?

Where is that sign on the scoreboard

Promoting Ballantine Beer?

Where are the famous announcers

Who were once on my TV set?

Where is that memorable march tune

That was brought to us by Gillette?

Where are Whitey, Yogi and Moose?

Where, oh where, is the Mick?

Where is that magic feeling

Causing my heart to beat so quick?

And where’s the anticipation

That hasn’t returned to me yet?

And where are those old-time Fall Classics

That I never will forget?

BILL IRWIN, San Diego