Acorn on the Steps

Three flights down the banister, then out through the propped front door onto the stoop. A plump oak acorn sat on the top sandstone tread. I didn't stop to deliberate. I drove one cord straight into its smooth shell. Crack. The acorn launched forward, bounced off the second step, and spun like a top. I leaped after it. Gravity pulled hard. I planted both rope tips squarely on the tumbling nut mid-flight, killed its roll, and kicked it again. Clack. Clack. It ricocheted off an iron railing post and skittered onto the pavement below. Two bounces. Clean chase. A good game.