The Prince, Batting by Norman Gale
The work presents a vivid depiction of a cricket match, capturing the excitement and energy of the game. It opens with the imagery of a ball being bowled, likening its speed to that of a cannon, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cricket. The batsman is portrayed as a confident figure, embodying skill and ease as he faces the oncoming deliveries. The poem contrasts the intensity of the game with the tranquility of the spectators, who momentarily set aside their daily concerns to immerse themselves in the sport. As the narrative unfolds, the focus shifts to the various techniques employed by the batsman, showcasing the artistry involved in playing cricket. The descriptions of glances, cuts, drives, and hooks highlight the finesse required in the sport, reinforcing the notion that while the game may appear effortless, it demands significant talent and practice. The atmosphere is celebratory, with the audience reveling in the joy of the match. The mention of forgetting "paper and books" signifies a collective escape from routine, emphasizing the unifying power of sport. The work encapsulates the thrill of cricket, portraying it as a source of happiness and a momentary reprieve from everyday life. The imagery and rhythm evoke a sense of camaraderie among spectators, all drawn together by their shared passion for the game.
By Norman Gale · First published 1900 · Genre: Poetry, Sports Literature, Nature Writing · 182 words
First lines
As out of a cannon comes the ball! Quickly it flies to the human wall. Didn't it go with a will and a whiz? How lovely it is! How lovely it is!
Four to the east, and four to the west! Arrowy shots at the Umpire's chest! Placid the sinewy batsman beams -- How easy it seems! How easy it seems
Watch! For a ball we could barely poke The master hand and the radiant stroke! Glances and cuts and drives and hooks -- How easy it looks! How easy it looks!
Now is the time we may all forget Paper and books, for the Prince is set. Here in the grass, with our work at heel, How happy we feel! How happy we feel!
What this Textopian page supports
The Prince, Batting is listed on Textopian as a poem by Norman Gale, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Norman Gale
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Sports Literature, Nature Writing, Children's Literature, Humor
- Length: 182 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for The Prince, Batting by Norman Gale
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Sports Literature — The poem focuses on the sport of cricket, highlighting the dynamics of batting and the experience of the game.
- Nature Writing — The poem evokes imagery of the outdoors, particularly the grass and the setting of a cricket field.
- Children's Literature — The playful tone and simple language make it accessible and appealing to a younger audience.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Sports · Cricket · Coming-of-age · Young Adult · Literary Fiction · Realistic Fiction · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Identity Crisis · Self-discovery