he stands confronted
by this foreign girl
holding his ball above his head
in his own backyard

she stands curious
of this big black dog
which stares up 
at her saliva soaked hands

he knows enough to wait
watch for the twitch of wrists
trace the curvature with fervent eyes
to fetch

”who are you?” 
cautious question through full lips

“a friend” she whispers
ball at her feet once more