The poet says, "I would not intrude on him" because he recognizes that the experience the boy is going through is a crucial and necessary part of his personal growth and development. The boy's loss goes beyond the physical ball; it is connected to his emotional attachment, memories, and experiences. By not intruding, the poet gives the boy space and time to process and come to terms with the loss and the impact it has on him. The poet doesn't offer money to buy another ball for similar reasons. Replacing the lost ball with money or a new one would rob the boy of the important life lessons he can learn from the loss – such as taking responsibility for one's possessions, understanding the limitations of material possessions, and coping with disappointments. By experiencing the emotional pain of loss and genuinely dealing with it, the boy is better prepared to handle life's inevitable challenges and setbacks in the future.