In reality, a mandrake is a plant whose root resembles a man, and is one of the few safe and effective sleeping agents. In imagination, and story, it is a wonderous herb, with a beautiful sight and smell, and is the origin of the following playground game, of which I am the sole legatee and heir: first you must collect the mandrake. This must be collected through the chain-link fence surrounding the playground. Second, you must declare who is going to be 'touched by the mandrake' and so fall in love with you. The touchee will yell and run. Thirdly, you must touch the person with the piece of mandrake you've collected. Various people may try to help or hinder this chase. Fourthly, he MUST kiss you, with the full three grades watching.
Interesting, how the game is stacked for girls first, then for boys.