UNDERNEATH THE SPREADING CHESTNUT TREE.....

…..on the cold, damp ground
are hundreds of conkers
some in their prickly cases
while others lie
open to the elements
mouldering
amongst rotting leaves
Untouched
Unseen
Unwanted - 
unlike years ago
when generations of children
mostly boys
sought these trophies
took them home
baked them
or even soaked them
in vinegar then
put a skewer through them
threaded them with string
and took them to school 
or the park to play the 
famous game of Conkers.
What a joy to have 
a conker that instead of 
being smashed to smithereens
was a Champion!
Perhaps we should forget
Health & Safety and
encourage our children
(and grandchildren)
to go out conkering -
then teach them to play 
this old game
instead of sitting indoors
playing on their iPads!

© Maureen Iles 29/09/17