When the umpire calls you out, <br />It's no use to stamp and shout, <br />Wildly kicking dust about— <br />Play the game! <br />And though his decision may <br />End your chances for the day, <br />Rallies often end that way— <br />Play the game! <br />When the umpire shouts: 'Strike two!' <br />And the ball seems wide to you, <br />There is just one thing to do: <br />Play the game! <br />Keep your temper at the plate, <br />Grit your teeth and calmly wait, <br />For the next one may be straight <br />Play the game! <br />When you think the umpire's wrong, <br />Tell him so, but jog along; <br />Nothing's gained by language strong— <br />Play the game! <br />For his will must be obeyed <br />Wheresoever baseball's played, <br />Take his verdict as it's made— <br />Play the game! <br />Son of mine, beyond a doubt, <br />Fate shall often call you 'out,' <br />But keep on, with courage stout— <br />Play the game! <br />In the battlefield of men <br />There'll come trying moments when <br />You shall lose the verdict—then <br />Play the game! <br />There's an umpire who shall say <br />You have missed your greatest play, <br />And shall dash your hopes away— <br />Play the game! <br />You must bow unto his will <br />Though your chance it seems to kill, <br />And you think he erred, but still <br />Play the game! <br />For the Great Umpire above <br />Sees what we see nothing of, <br />By His wisdom and His love— <br />Play the game! <br />Keep your faith in Him although <br />His grim verdicts hurt you so, <br />At His Will we come and go— <br />Play the game!<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/playing-the-game-8/
