The leaves lent shape to the wind around the boys, br Warmed with winter-coats at autumn twilight, br Conkers tied to twine this moment’s toys, br In the shadows of the trees, before the night. br A pair encircled took their equal turns, br The crowd about them watched with cheer and awe, br For it is more than points the victor earns br When smashing his foe’s nut; and all before. br One boy watched, and smiled as others cheered, br His hopeful gaze not met, his thoughts not said. br To have his contest seen by all he feared, br Like speaking with the voice inside his head. br And so he watched, but dared not to partake, br And in his fist, the shell began to break.