Playing marbles has always been one of those unforgettable childhood memories. Every time I see colorful marbles, it feels like time travels back a time when happiness didn't require money, just a patch of open ground, friends my age, and a handful of marbles tucked into my shorts pocket.
Every afternoon, after school and changing into our uniforms, we'd gather in the backyard. The ground was still soft, a little dusty, and weeds growing sparsely in some corners. We'd dig a small hole in the ground, which became the center of the game, then place the marbles on the starting line. The sounds of laughter and cheers became an irreplaceable rhythm of the afternoon.
I still remember how seriously we took the game. Each marble throw wasn't just a game, but a mini-battle full of strategy. There was the thrill of my marble almost hitting the hole, or when my opponent shot my marble and sent it flying far. Sometimes we'd win big going home with a pocket full of marbles from the bet, but sometimes we'd go home with a glum face because we'd lost our favorite marbles.
The most exciting thing about playing marbles isn't just about winning or losing, but also the camaraderie. That's where we learned the meaning of honesty, sportsmanship, and friendship. No gadgets, no notifications, just jokes, laughter, and dust on our palms. Even when night fell and Mom called us home, we still refused to stop. "Let's continue tomorrow!" one of our friends exclaimed, and we all nodded enthusiastically.
These days, marbles are rarely seen. The dirt fields have been replaced by houses and shops. Children spend more time staring at screens than at the ground where the marbles are spinning. But every time I see a pile of marbles at the toy market, that longing resurfaces a longing for a time when the world seemed simple and happiness could be found amidst the soft "tick!" of marbles clashing against each other.
Note: I am writing in Indonesian and using the help of Google translate to translate into English.
All gifts from this post will be burned and made into strength to support other hivers posts.
| Photographer | Smartphone used | Location |
|---|---|---|
| @gunting | Realme C53 | Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam |