She runs and it comes along
Like a loyal dog
There is no treat
Other than the swoosh of open net

Grime and sweat poor over it
It keeps bouncing
With precision
Between the legs, around the ankles
Shhang. Shhang. Smack. Swoosh!

She runs inside to get a drink
But the basketball is left outside to drink
The cold air. It relaxes the tough skin
So tender. Goosebumps!

Another grab in the morning. Bounce bounce
Air seeps through the belly button
No complaint. It just keeps going
It depends on her. She depends on it

She's at school. The ball is left at home
So beautiful and patient it is
Till she returns
It longs for her. She longs for it

The neighbor boy sees the ball
Gives it a kick
Sssssssssssssssssssssssssst!
The beautiful bouncing ball pains
She nurses it back to health.
It in her arms. Her in it's.