Straight Through the Hoop

I marched out to the park recreation lawn and spotted a croquet course set across the trimmed green! Right in front of a curved white wire hoop, a heavy wooden ball painted with bright red stripes was resting completely still. The opening was right ahead! Tucking my black microphone securely under my left elbow, I squared up right behind the ball. I braced both plush hands against the smooth painted wood and delivered a hearty, straightforward shove. Rumble, roll, CLACK! The ball glided cleanly through the wire arch and knocked square against the striped wooden stake. Direct hit on the very first try!