Rangers walked off last night—
        Yankees humbled in extras,
        wildcard standings shifted,
        hearts briefly stopped,

        fists vociferously pumped.

Two days till ATL,
    Irby’s scent in the wind,
    nerves fluttering like ticket stubs,
    my wildcard position (like the Rangers)
    still thrillingly uncertain—

    ready for whatever curveball Thursday throws.

Standings tight,
          smiles pending,
          Universe glaring suspiciously—
          careful…
          *careful*,

          don’t jinx the streak.

Mari, I’m not saying
      I’ve penciled you in
      as my postseason smile—

I’m just saying,
    tickets are reserved,
    I’m bringing my best glove,

    Thursday’s a home game I definitely plan to win.