Munday on Monday: Eulogy for the Royals’ Rally Mantis

We gather to remember now

The Rally Mantis bug

Which brought good luck and (mostly) wins;

Our heartstrings did it tug.

It loved its leaves, its tiny hutch;

It lived a life of ease,

Appreciated very much

By players it did please.

For teammates of this baseball sport

(A superstitious lot)

Are always looking for an edge —

Yes, which this mantis brought.

For any insect honored thus,

A recognition rare;

Alas, our Rally Mantis — gone!

It hasn’t got a prayer.

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 1:25 PM with the headline "Munday on Monday: Eulogy for the Royals’ Rally Mantis."