fan the air
smack the ball as hard as you can
it recoils out
to the extent of its tether
and then returns again
the band never breaks
as hard as you try
and the ball has no words to say nor tears to cry
slap it some more
at a wall, at a door
you’ll find it’s never worse for wear
the paddle may crack
and the band may stretch
but the ball, you’ll see, will always be there
so wind up your arm
and work on your serve
your open palm is mightier than my pen
I have no defense
and you know I’ll be back
and then you can hit me again
Ryan Patrick, 1995
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