Considering the lines from 'The Ball Poem', '… staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went …', do you think the boy had possessed this ball for an extended period? Is the loss of the ball linked to memories from his earlier days playing with it?
Yes, in 'The Ball Poem', the boy seems to have had the ball for a long time, and it holds significant sentimental value for him. The lines suggest that as he watches the ball disappear into the harbor, he is also reflecting on his childhood memories associated with it. The ball represents his past joys, innocence, and carefree days. Losing it symbolizes the realization that time moves forward, and certain things cannot be regained. This moment teaches him an important lesson about loss and growing up.