I run after the ball because I am young
I run after the ball because it feels like the world
Old, dirty, kicked but not yet deflated.
I run after the ball and chase my future
I run after the ball because Africa runs but there are always too few who arrive
I run behind the ball because next to me there are many children like me
I run behind the ball because in front I don't have adversaries, but playmates
I run after the ball and I seem to fly over all the misfortunes
I run after the ball because that ball is a free joy
I run after the ball and I call it hope
I run as fast as I can, faster than the wind and time 
Which is worth so little to us and is as insecure as the roofs of our huts.
I run after the ball because running in front of it is not worth it
I run after the ball because if I wait for the ball to run after me...
I run after the ball otherwise it gets stolen
I run behind the ball because if I stay behind I will never be offside
I run after the ball before someone changes the rules
I run after the ball without shoes, without a uniform.
Without anything Western children take for granted.
Sometimes without having eaten.

We have been told a lot of balls and we will have to suffer a lot more. 
But I run.
I run after the ball and I am still happy.