Scorch Game Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Scorch game

Each went off and came back
Bringing nine marbles
Of stones in grey
Dark or light
Then a team
In circle and
Marbles in centre
Someone was to start
Game would be going round.

The first would fill his palm
Then throw the marbles, up a foot
Turned his hand palm downward
Marbles came as if rain landed on back of hand
In numbers.

Now once more must throw the marbles.
Second catch would grab as if dog taking bite.

He would lose
Even if one fell down.

Next step would be
Selecting single one
Of marbles
Throw up
While in air pick from, on the ground
Without touch to others
Any move, meant your loss.

Could save them if they paired
In three.

Whoever gathered nine was idle
Not winner, not loser.

Got slap on the hand for the less
Would be boss for excess.

Then again.
This was game of old days.