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The Game (a comical description of a game of chess))
| Open Poetry #6 |
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The Game (a comical description of a game of chess)) |
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Master Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867Boston, MA 
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*This is another poem from V. Vysotsky that I've translated into english. As we landed on the ground -- we sat down. All the pieces were already in thier spots. The photographers were swarming all around -- Flashing me, and trying to drive me nuts. But, even in my home,-- who can abate me? I won’t be beaten by reporters’ rude abuse! My unskillfulness will only aid me My opponent won’t be capable to rate me-- He won’t be able to foresee my moves. Lucky bastard, he’ll be first to go, People say that he is keen with white!-- From E-Two he moves up to E-Four, Seems familiar... that’s right--that’s right! It’s my turn, -- what can you do now, Steph?!-- Guessing, like through Tundra in the night... The Queen is greater than the rest -- I recollect-- Moving back and forth, and right to left, While the letter “L” is for the knights! Now I thank my fellow friend mechanic, Who has taught me every peiece’s route. Later I have learned-- that from the panic-- I have played a classical debut! And I observed so not one error passed. Remembering my chef – in woe, distress-- Excange each figure for a liquor glass!-- The board will prove, who is the best! And I could see—his fork began to rattle-- He wants to eat—and I would eat the queen! With such an appetizer, I could use a bottle! But alcohol’s prohibited within. And I’m hungry, -- do not be surprised!-- Eggs and coffee is our only food! Squares, -- are more like circles in my eyes, Kings, -- are more like aces in disguise, I confuse an “in-off” with debut. There’s a superstition – risk’s worth taking! -- “First time’s always lucky!”—and I’m ready. I will punish him with constant checking – If only, I could make room for the lady. I can’t make a choice -- all seems so blurry.-- And it’s time to strike, I make my aim! Hit him with the rook? -- Seems kind of surly Right hoot to the jaw? – A little early, After all, it’s only our first game. Wrecking my defense, he quickly strikes me -- The old-Indian approach-- from every angle. This situation seemingly reminds me Of an Indo-Pakistani struggle! He should’ve never played around with fate! I have my methods -- I attack when mad. If he decides to end it with a mate, Then, I will tackle him, becoming more irate, Or hit him with a knight... right on the head! Then just a notch of speed I’ve started gaining— And all was not as dismal as it seemed. In the world of chess, a pawn, with training Can evolve, with time, into a queen. With deception, my opponent played: He’d get up and walk and come around. He proposed to me a castle trade, It is natural for him to be afraid-- When I bench three hundred lying down. I diminished his small figure with my stare, And the moment he declared me, “Check!” I revealed my biceps, strong and bare, Took my jacket off for more effect. At that moment everything grew quiet My opponent, watched me rise, in awe He forgot the game for just a while Realizing, he was held confined Suddenly agreed to have draw. [This message has been edited by Master (edited 02-22-2000).] |
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| © Copyright 2000 Andrey Kneller - All Rights Reserved | |||
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mystery Member
since 2000-02-21
Posts 79 |
this poem was well put together, I like how you analyzed the game! |
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Master Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867Boston, MA |
Thank you Mystery! Glad that you liked it! |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
Master - You're right! This was really funny. It took me back to the times I would play my older brother. He, too, resorted to the "Hammerlock" gambit. And you know what? He always beat me! Naturally, he also insisted on a rematch. That's why I can scratch my right arm with my left arm... across my back! lol |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Very funny and very well done, Master!  Denise |
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Master Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867Boston, MA |
Thank you for the kind comments! It still needs a lot of work though. |
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