neither ball nor moss

They call it ball moss, but it’s not quite round, doesn't bounce, and isn’t even a moss. It is a plant, however, even though it grows places like power lines and tree limbs. An epiphyte, or air plant, it derives its nutrients from moist air. So basically it just hangs there—defying logic and gravity—until one day it doesn’t. These are ball mosses (Tillandsia recurvata) that I found in the road where they had fallen from their perches following a story. They didn’t look any worse for the wear, and struck me as rather free-spirited beings—each with its own distinct personality. See if you don’t agree.