For as long as I remember
Becoming an athlete was my dream—
To score a point, to win a game,
To be a member of a team.

5 I pursued the game of baseball;
Took a line drive to the knee.
I pitched the ball with all my might,
The hitter fired it back at me.

9 Thought that I’d attempt some golf;
Positioned my ball upon a tee,
Swung my club to give it a whack!
It appeared to laugh at me.

13 Attended football tryouts;
Heard the players discuss a “sack.”
I wasn’t aware of what that was
‘Til they knocked me flat upon my back.

17 Attempted to play volleyball;
A player sprang up for a spike.
That ball bolted by so fast
It was like a lightning strike.

21 Tried out for gymnastics
To learn tumbles, twists, and flips,
But all I had to demonstrate
Were stumbles, sprains, and trips.

25 When it comes to playing sports
I’m like a fish upon the land.
No bats, no balls, no mitts for me,
Just slip a pen into my hand.

29 I might not be an athlete—
Nor challenger or fighter—
But I can merge the things I love
If I become a sports writer.
The Junior Detective
Marie Devers

Here’s a quick biography of how I came to be, 1
the junior lead detective who researches fearlessly. 2

The probability, I find, is just as good as coincidence 3
that I’ll find some hidden mystery by watching some events. 4

This vocation, fair and true, I stumbled on one day, 5
and the verdict was that I’d pursue each fact that comes my way. 6

When I find a question that requires investigation, 7
I pull out all the stops and start my thorough speculation. 8

I believe in accuracy, and truth for all involved, 9
and always staying neutral ‘til the case is all but solved.10

Each occurrence that I witness is a clue to ponder ever—11
‘til I take the case and make it my own personal endeavor.12

I interview each villain, and I never give an inch. 13
I notice all the ticks, and I explore each blink and flinch.14

I ensure each alibi is honest; I check each testimony, 15
and I find the real exception and expose it from the phony.16
Which statement best compares and contrasts the two passages?

A) "Sports Dream" uses rhyming lines, while "Junior Detective" does not use any rhymes at all.
B) "Sports Dream" is an unrhymed poem, while "Junior Detective" uses rhymes to convey its meaning.
C) "Sports Dream" is written in quatrains, while "Junior Detective" is written in rhymed couplets.
D) "Sports Dream" is written in rhymed couplets , while "Junior Detective" is written in quatrains.

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