His record 136 career home runs eclipsed by the Babe, Waterburian Roger Connor visits Civil War Hero Ed Neville's grave. Sizing up the dates like an old rival's stats he wonders if Medal of Honor glory ever fades. He thinks about the brass ball and bat weather vane, a mammoth four bagger award that's turning green on South Main. And the slow running gold watch marking a colossal Polo Grounds blast. These trophies are linked to Waterbury's brass and timepiece fame and he smiles at that while his eyes measure the distance to the family plot just a sharp line drive over third.
Monuments are for soldiers, handy for holidays.
He wipes his glasses with a handkerchief and squints across Silver Street at Scovill Manufacturing. Even 63 and ailing, he knows that pitched 1921 horsehide he would nail any window pane on the saw-toothed roof. Then, saluting Captain Neville, Roger Connor takes long strides to the St. Joseph's Cemetery gate. You may contact the author, Thomas Michael McDade , and share your thoughts, memories, and opinions on his poem. All Rights Reserved.