DREAMS IN SCRIBBLES

(POEM 1 ON THE CHESS-INSPIRED POEMS SERIES)

On the chessboard, the pieces stood ready,

Tall and strong,

Or so they looked.

However intimidating in demeanour,

Really, they were anxious,

Not yet ready to face the vicious war.

The white pawn moved forward.

Black’s knight was ordered to leap.

The Queen’s command was sharp and cold.

So, thus began the battle of wits,

No one knew who would win.

The rook spoke, in his brave voice,

“Your Majesty, I shall gladly fight for you.”

But soon faced a fatal, clever fork.

A flimsy little pawn squeaked.

“Please don’t do it, lady, not me!” he cried.

A rather maladroit Bishop strode forward to defend,

When twin rooks threatened the endgame.

The graceful black Queen glided across

And delivered a tricky check.

Threatening the trembling white King.

“Now is your time, Bishop,” she cried.

And the Bishop slid forward in frightening silence,

Every piece holding its breath,

Until finally,

CHECKMATED.

The black pieces stood in triumph

While the poor White sobbed.

The Queen gazed at the fallen King,

And silently whispered,

“READY FOR A REMATCH?”