Rugby Boots

I remember my first pair of metal studded boots.
How they played the Pied Pipers most mesmeric of flutes
That magic and memories the sound stirs around
Footsteps on tarmac on my old school playground
A magnificent feeling with joy I abound
Matched mud on my knee caps with a resonating sound

Was I watched at all by a Twickenham crowd?
Each metallic step would they cheer out loud?
Alas not for me it's my imagination that matters
Each step was a symbol a symphonic clatter
Accompanied of course by some small school boy chatter!

Transforming those small steps now each mighty stride
Oh first rugby boots how they'd be my guide
From moulded boot boy to the moulding of men
To shape me to guide me, oh yes and then
It gave me the hope of playing  U10

Those metal studs, bolt-like, seeming so small
But screwed in my boots made me ten feet tall
There were six metal studs screwed into each boot.
Dreaming that magic make me fleet of foot
Giving me confidence I started to strut

Like iron hammer stud striking church bell
With the sound of each footstep my chest it did swell
Protecting cajoling symphonic brotherhood.
This choral caste, that made each step good
Ensured I blossomed from this yearling bud!

The peeling of each ringing star studded stride
Each concrete footstep it filled me with pride
Something immense I now do belong
Collective protection in this happy throng
The church bell rang loudly I joined in its song

That simple sound of metal studded boots
The echoes from corridors like fine armoured suits
The moulding of me from forbidden fruit
Team bonding together they showed me the route
The thoughts that it triggers of my playing days
We should all have played rugby is the sound that it says!