The Ball Bounces On

An ode to a basketball career cut perfectly short.

​The calloused leather ball, once soft in my hands, 

feels dry.
The well-groomed wood, once my home away from home, 

has lost its luster.
But, the problem is deeper than a fresh coat of wax.
Now, when my body aches, the adrenaline to go on 

is gone.
It’s time to move on.
An occasional pass.
A solitary swish.
A flick of the wrist.
The ball bounces on.

Author's Note

Leave a comment that answers this question: After reading this poem, you feel...

Reviews

[Mrudula Rani]

A perfect poem! Beautifully expresses the short sports life span of athletes.

[Brent]

You're spot on! As a former athlete, I can definitely attest to that!

[Tony Jordan]

The noticing goes on too - of that decline -
permeating every aspect of our lives.

Last four lines - a proper standalone - should be called 'The Baller's Eulogy'.
Cheers Brent.

[Brent]

Yes I feel that the decline of things in our life is often gradual. There are many signs intentionally placed to mark this decline. It's hard to acknowledge that they are there, but impossible to ignore them. Love your title for the last 4 lines!

Thank you for your insightful review!

[Kate Z.]

I feel the ache of moving on, of leaving the familiar behind, of realizing that the past has dulled. Beautifully expressed.

[Brent]

Absolutely! You pretty much summed up the poem in a single sentence. Unfortunately, as a former athlete, I'm a sucker for the whole sports as a microcosm of life drama....

Thank you for your review!