Old Friend

Old Friend

In the park
On one of his age-old
Daily walks, he stops
To watch a game
He remembers,
In the rain, and
The ball rolls out of play
Towards him, so he
Kicks it back, his foot
Angled, his right instep
Caressing the ball.
Caressed by the ball.
It feels like an old friend
He’s not greeted
For over a decade.
He watches for a few
Moments more; poor
Defence, poor calling,
A less than mobile
Goalkeeper inside the
Lines, and the ball
Speeds towards him again.
Same thing, and his foot
Feels alive, and he feels alive.
He turns and leaves,
The touch still soft
On his soul.

R 12/10/2024 15:40

I just ran out of time to post this yesterday, what with Saturday being Strictly and home-made pizza day.