Private Lessons

Teach her how to swing
and where the fingers sit
to clench the bat just right.

Observe how she lowers it
against her back.
Calmly critique her form
and meet her eyes with approval.

She wants to hit the ball so hard
it makes you
dance.
Throw her eight, nine, ten, eleven opportunities
to prove she's capable.

Stand behind her
and instruct her arms to fly
when the moment comes.

Watch routine morph into perfection.
(She expects you to expect greatness)
She runs frantically toward the stray balls,
twirling as she tosses each one into the bag.