The Ball Poem Class 10 | John Berryman | Poem 5 | English |

The Ball Poem Class 10 by John Berryman | Poem 5 |English |

Summary of The Ball Poem

This poem revolves around a little boy who is extremely grieved for he has lost his ball along with the memories associated with it.

In the first stanza, the poet tells about a boy whose ball has fallen into water after bouncing it down the street. He wants that same ball back. It is for the first time in his life that he has lost something invaluable. Through the example of the ball, the poet has compared it to the sweetest of the memories which once lost, never come back. According to the poet, there are many other balls in the water but the boy wants the same one he had.

In the second stanza, the poet talks about the mental condition of the boy who is quiet despondent for he fails to find his ball. He stands stiff and quivering there staring at his ball. He is deeply affected due to the loss of his ball since it had been with him for a long period of time. Initially, the poet decides to go to him and to offer him a new ball but he backs off for it would be of no use to him.

In the third stanza, the boy senses his first responsibility in this materialistic world and realizes that things and people once lost can’t be regained. The poet elaborates him that he will keep on losing the balls like that but not any amount of money would be able to buy it back. According to the poet, money can buy anything but not the memories of past and the love of the loved one who are no more or passed away at any cost.

In the fourth stanza, the poet suggests that the boy is learning how to be self-reliant after the loss of his ball. According to him, the boy would move ahead in life realizing that losing of things is a part of life. He will soon realize that it happens to all the men of this world. He will leave all the losses behind and stand up one day and understand the true meaning of life which doesn’t stop for anyone.

Poetic Devices of The Ball Poem

Repetition: What, what | Balls, balls

Symbolism: The ball symbolizes the boy’s young and happier days.

Alliteration: Buys a ball back

We would love you reading of Dust of Snow, Fire and Ice, A Tiger in the Zoo, How to Tell Wild Animals, The Ball Poem, Amanda, Animals, The Trees, Fog, The Tale of Custard the Dragon For Anne Gregory for better understanding of the poetry and scoring higher in forthcoming examination.

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