Rain delay -- Shea Stadium, June 2007

Tom Glavine throws six shutout innings

Then the rain returns
steady and effortless
falling through floodlit darkness
onto the abandoned orange seats
pooling on the white tarp over the infield
soaking the flawless outfield grass.

My friend and I sit beneath the overhang
conversing in the way you do
with those you have known at least twenty years

as we watch the security staff
in their yellow raincoats
dutifully guarding the field against nobody
silent and hooded like monks.