Bounce.
Bounce.
Ball in the air.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Lands on the stair.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Catch with one hand.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Don’t care where it lands.

Bounce…
Freeze.
Father in hall.

Step.
Back.
Boy drops the ball.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Ball down the stairs.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Suddenly cares.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Boy holds his breath.

Bounce.
Bounce.
Down to its death.

Bounce.
Roll.
Straight, like a lane.

Roll.
Roll.
Stops by the cane.

Eyes.
Flash up.
Boy stumbles back.

Silver.
Meets grey.
Ball breaks with a crack.

Boy.
Looks down.
At his beloved toy.

Broken.
In pieces.
Unable to bring joy.

Father.
Smirks.
As Boy stares at the floor.

Tears.
For his playmate.
Entertainment no more.