The Pecan Park Eagle

A Farewell Ode to Ralph Branca

By Bill McCurdy

The Pecan Park Eagle

We never know – when we take the mound

Of anything – that’s our main ground

This time – may not be the climb – we thought we needed

And so it was for Ralph – that day

He came to save – the Dodger say

In lining up the Yanks next – unimpeded

October 3rd of ’51 – the date now etched – in joy and none

Still echoes over time – in lamentation

The tears of Brooklyn rain ’til time is done

Ralph’s second pitch to Thomson – still unfurling

“The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” – is up and curling

Till 90 years of age – it keeps on swirling

Ralph Branca left us yesterday – up in Rye, NY – in the USA

As his last breath gave fully away – to the late day shadows dark

And the homer finally stops – at last – with no pain left to bark

“The Giants Won The Pennant” – that long ago Polo Grounds day

But you won our warrior hearts over time – Mr. B

With each never ending – grainy replay

Your gifts to the game of baseball and life

Are much larger – than that painful day thing

For you – they are done, sir – but our world carries on with your sting.

You deserve every second of tranquility that eternity has to offer

Rest In Peace, Ralph Branca

____________________

Triskaidekaphobia, Indeed ….

Ralph Branca? …. Not So Much.

____________________

 Bill McCurdy

Publisher, Editor, Writer

The Pecan Park Eagle

Houston, Texas