Ball Boys

They run to catch an errant ball
Then crouch or stand stock still
Until they need to pass a spare
Or towel, if you will.

They’re meant to be invisible;
They do their madcap dash
And rush back to their places
Quicker than a camera flash.

Their caps are meant to cover up
Their crewcuts, dreads or curls
And nowadays, to be PC,
Some ball boys might be girls!

(written while watching the men’s final
at the Australian Open Tennis Match)