The Power of Distraction

With wars and fraught elections,
Our planet’s need to chill.
It also seems our lifestyle is destined to make us ill.

Plenty then to contemplate, consider or amend.
Yet we cling to our traditions,
Content with worldly trend.

What then of one devotion?
To an interest that enthrals.
Why does human evolution gain delight in play with balls?
It’s good of course; as exercise, with talents to enjoy.
The challenge is the influence that business’s employ.

Big balls, little balls, oval balls and round,
Ping pong, rugby, umpteen sports abound.
With passion for their favourites,
As football’s fans reveal.
What of the lure of snooker?
Does basketball appeal?
A round of golf, a tennis set, does cricket have allure?
Relentless human interest, the enthusiasts ensure.

Once, these simplest pleasures were approached with light intent.
For fun and entertainment, with social time well spent.
From children gently playing,
To sponsor’s tax relief.
Ball business keeps on growing and its scale defies belief.

Observe, with fascination.
How nations all engage.
The energy of billions, finds nothing else assuage,
As we kick or throw, hit high or low,
The ball our focus knows.

Imagine, fleeting moment.
To look………… As if on high.
The thought……… What are we doing?
The time……… The endless hours,
Engaging with some ball game, whose influence devours.

It dwarfs essential service.
Are we content to be obsessed?
Does destiny for humans, need our minds to be possessed?

Is there any other species,
On this planet that we share,
That invests the same endeavour in the time it has to spare?

Whatever draws our passion….. If a ball assists…..Enjoy.
Should we pause, reflect and question,
Ball business and its role?
Is it merely light distraction or is there purpose to control?