Pakistan

Seven flat stones, an old tennis ball, and grass-stained shins.

Lahore rooftop sunset. Manjha line. Wo kaata.

One breath. Touch a defender. Get back across the line.

Sit in a line. Run in a chain. Tag the last runner before they reach.

Flip the gilli, hit it mid-air, run while it lands.

Chalked grid on the verandah. Hop on one foot. Claim a square.

Wind the rope. Throw the top. Outspin or be knocked.

Glass marbles on dirt. Flick. Win the marbles you knock out.

Powdered board. Striker thump. Cover the queen.

Roll a six to start. Knock the others home.

Sing a song. Last consonant starts the next. The bus ride game.

A letter. A grid. The pen-and-paper classic.

Garbage-bin stumps. Six and out. Nicks count.