Patricia Farrell

MR. SPINACH, FORMERLY A GREENGROCER, UNTIL HE LOST HIS JOB, TAKES A WALK IN THE PARK


the ball is filled
with extraordinary gases
the valve released
and play begins

after five days
in the field
both man and ball
have shrunk

after nine
they begin to crumple
they struggle
valiantly to move

days later
ball tackles man
they
both collapse