Interview With A Ball
Okay, so for the first time, I decided to conduct an interview. I’ve always been curious about a ball, an object we’ve seen since infancy. Haven’t you? I look around at the dimensional ways a ball is handled and used, and couldn’t resist calling this popular play mate to roll over for a little chat this afternoon.
Me: It’s so nice to have you here. How are you?
Ball: My mood has constant changes. I can’t really say.
Me (confused): How come?
Ball: I’m round, and look full on the outside, but depending on what’s inside, things are different.
Me: Could you tell us more on that?
Ball: When I’m a balloon, I have helium and you see me floating on a string in a kid’s hands above people’s heads, especially in amusement parks. It’s one of my favourite places to be, because of all the smiles. I’m on cloud nine. But when the kid accidentally lets go and I get pecked on by birds, get punctured and then land on some forlorn roof or inside a chimney, it’s not that fun anymore.
Me: No, I bet it’s not.
Ball: Oooh! I love being a Bouncy Ball! My extraordinary ass actually bounces me up!
Me (Laughing): You feel proud of your ass then.
Ball (Delighted): Oh, yes! Bouncy Balls are mighty proud of their asses! But when we crash the furniture or bounce off Nanna’s head, not so much.
Me: You have the good and bad balanced in every type.
Ball: Exactly! So when I’m used as a Bouncy Ball or a balloon or anything of that sort, my mood constantly changes.
Me: Right. So what’s your most favourite place to be, apart from amusement parks? Do you have one?
Ball (Thoughtful): Well, I love being at discos. I love the way the lights shine off the surface of my shiny shell and make everyone dance. Dancing gives off positive energy and creates great bonds between the people in the room. I love watching that. Oh! I also love being in play pits for children. They heap me in different colours and make me inviting to play in.
Me: That’s really sweet. And what is your most scary place to be?
Ball: In the hands of rough kids or the jaws of a dog who can tear me apart. In the football field where I’m kicked around. In the cricket pitch where I’m punted headfirst towards that dreaded bat. In the golf course where my ass is whipped.
Me: Good Lord. It’s funny how you hate the places people compete to win.
Ball: When people want to win so badly, it’s really painful for the things and people around them, right?
Me (Smiling): Yes. So what is your favourite hobby?
Ball: I don’t have a hobby. I just sit and exist until someone picks me up. My entire life is controlled by people. But because I’m a ball, that kind of consideration doesn’t cross people’s minds.
Me: That’s sad.
Ball: It ain’t. My purpose is to be that way. I’m made for it. And I’m programmed to feel happy about it.
Me: You like being bounced around, regardless of what direction and whose hands you end up in.
Ball: Yes, I do. See, that’s how things change for me and every type of my fate is decided. I can either live for ages as a prized possession on a shelf, or get worn out due to playing, or get ripped to shreds by unstable species. Things are different for each and every ball. Only a few get lucky.
Me: Very true. Any final thoughts to add?
Ball: Enjoy wherever you are, whether you’re a ball or human. Life’s really limited and we should make the most of it. Like I already said, only a few get lucky by being born with a silver spoon. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us have to dread what will happen in the end. You aren’t here to mope around, you’re here to live life to the fullest and give people whatever happiness you can in your power. So keep bouncing and feel proud of what you are. You’re here for a great purpose. Never forget that.
Me: That’s really a wonderful message. I’m sure we can all resonate with you. Thank you very much for sparing your time.
Ball: Thank you in return.
(Ball bounces off to play with the children waiting outside, for whose smiles and colourful laughter he is the reason for. And that is the best blessing he can receive)
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