"When the boy was born

like old Spartans

he was inspected.

If he had been small

or puny or sickly or misshapen

he would've been discarded.

From the time he could stand, he was

baptized in the fire of combat.

Taught never to retreat,

never to surrender..."

Asthese words resonate in my head (well not exactly since the movie wasreleased much later) I stood there at the start of the line, waiting.My pants pulled up, my nose rubbed and phlegm swallowed, I waited tillthat auspicious moment.

The whistle blew and the chase was on.With my eyes firmly set on the goal, I ventured both fast and furious,the prize was destined to be mine. Gathering up the chocolates, one byone, the varying levels of difficulty encountered ranging from the sizeand shape of the chocolate to the amount my little hands could carry.

Amidstthe cheers of gleeful parents, I spotted my foes, one too many. Theirhands loaded with chocolates much more than mine, I had to act fast.Pulling out my shirt, I dumped the already melting chocolates into theKangaroo pouch I had created and dashed to the far ends of the garden.

Atlast the whistle blew. I stood there triumphant. As they announced forus to proceed to the counters , I was proud of myself. Dropping thecolorfully packed delights onto the table, I smiled as the counter ladyooohhed and aahhheedd. And then the counting began.

Standingthere at the podium with the whole amalgam of families looking on. Thefirst place goes to... The battle had been won. Another victoryaccomplished.There was no place for losers, for this, was a Man's game.