by Julia Griffin

(After W.E. Henley)

“Conkers cheating row as men’s champion found with steel chestnut:
David Jakins [“King Conker”] says metal replica discovered in his pocket was only ‘for humour value’”
—The Telegraph

Out of the green, o’er-prickled case,
As glossy as the noblest steed,
It swings in might, till all give place
To my unconquerable seed!

Confronted by the strongest foe,
It would not deign to dodge the act,
Prevailing with a single blow:
A little dented, but uncracked.

What though a rival, sick with spite,
Found in my garb a seed of steel?
That was for jest and not for fight,
And we shall win upon appeal.

It matters not how losers sore
Like Johnson-Ferguson demur:
Roan Beauty triumphs! And the corps
Of kings and conquerors concur.