Standing Guard

A smooth wooden chess pawn was lying tipped on its side across the polished squares! Off-duty and rolling loose—no, no, that wouldn't do! I trotted straight up to its carved wooden collar, planted both feet firmly, and gave a brave heave upward. Wobble! It swayed sideways, ready to tumble right off the ledge. Quick bounce! I darted around, leaned my shoulder into its curved waist, and shoved with all my weight. Clack! It settled flush on its weighted circular base, centered squarely inside one dark walnut square. Exactly one proud sentry, standing tall and on duty!