When I took up tennis

            In my teens

            It was hard to find a 

            Practice partner

            So I looked for 

            Walls

            At first I valued them

            For smoothness

            But as my skill increased

            Irregularities were so much fun

            That matches then became a letdown

            In comparison

            Forehand, backhand, topspin, slice –

            Whatever I could manage was returned

            For me to hit again

            As long as I could keep

            The angle and the altitude

            Just right

            And not be tempted 

            By the sweet spot 

            Into using too much force

            It’s a pity my approach to

            Extramural occupations at the time

            Could never follow suit