On a court I help the ball take flight, Yet elsewhere I may disturb the night. One version earns applause and praise, the other earns a noise complaint.

It can be used to cover the first four of its five. Grips tight round your neck, though it keeps you alive. Down your gullet food goes, fast as fast can provide. Compliments to the chef? Did you chew or just slide?

When things get too hot in the kitchen, I can be used for protection.

A vessel of iron or plastic, I can hold anything you desire, As the goal of Jack and Jill Before they fell down the hill

Substrate for sidewinding snakes. Singular, small. Seen in searing seas and on sea shores. Sometimes shocked, spawning shards, slag and slabs. Specks still in shoes since summertime solace. Smooths certain spots.