How to Catch a Ball

A glove so supple in your hand
Make sure there's room to fit
The ball into the pocket
With no fingers touching it

Keep eyes upon the moving ball
Watch the throwing hand release it
Look for stitches as it flies
Get in perfect place to meet it

Body balanced, feet apart
Your gloved hand in the air
Opened wide at shoulder height
The ball should hit right there

But none of us are perfect
And the ball may not obey
Use a rainbow reach across the sky
Or a smirky smile to save the day

You've got it where you want
You're about to make the catch
It's heading for the leather
So be certain not to snatch

Take care to handle softly
What I mean is treat it dear
Pretend it is a fragile egg
So cushion 'til your clear

As it lands, pull back a bit
With your body, arm and all
Use your other hand to cover
So there's no chance for it to fall

Throwing hand around the ball
And the glove around that hand
Cradle all right to your belly
Time to throw, so make your stand