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Open Poetry #43
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serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738


0 posted 2008-10-28 02:15 PM


At the tender age of eight--
I tore the wrapping from a box
underneath the Christmas tree--
the only one I had not guessed.
I sat in quiet pondering
when I saw what it contained--
there were people there--inside,
lined up just so in straight lines
just beneath a faux marble
field
of painted checkerboard.

Instinctively I grabbed the Queen.
She was taller than the rest.
I fingered then the plastic crown
wondering what it meant.
That was when my father said,
the thing that I remember best--
he said she could do anything
but use her power sparingly--
second, only to the King,
her power lay in nurturing--
it was her duty to protect.

I knew I wanted to be her.

Patiently he explained
the rules and moves of this war game.
"Take control of center board."
Don't make moves of ill afford.
Think on this as magick quest.
Try to stay five moves ahead--
don't waste time on pieces lost--
sacrifice not always loss
but always tally up the cost,
for even pawns can win the game.

But then I gave the pieces names.

They were personalities.
Not just plastic figurines.
I persevered and learned to play
but never did develop taste
for the price of victory.
In my mind I did believe
that underneath the plastic sheath,
they pulsed with blood like mine.

I fell in love with every one.

I told them there would be no war.
I mixed the pieces black and white
in opposites on checkerboard.
Black rook guarded the white knight.
And bishops danced in harmony.
It became a yin yang game,
and no one ever died.

My father saw this and he asked,
"What did you not understand?"
I introduced him to the folk
of my childish neverland,
and showed him how they got along.
My father smiled in understand.
Then he laughed and shook his head.
"I think you might have something there."
He said he liked my game instead.

He let me play in peace.


© Copyright 2008 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved
Janette
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2001-07-20
Posts 2843
Chicagoland for now
1 posted 2008-10-28 02:42 PM


Me, too ... I want to be like her.

A totally satisfying read making me feel so sentimental about my own Dad, who has now reached the ripe of age of 81, although he often forgets.  *sigh*  

Yes, very satisfying read.
Thanks.

Janette

always seeking joy, adventure and romance and wishing you find the same

Ceinwyn
Member Elite
since 2000-07-09
Posts 2175
VA
2 posted 2008-10-28 02:46 PM


It's kind of funny, I was listening to "Queen of Hearts" when I opened this ;-) You know if only life were a chess game, and then we can make everybody get along.  Ya know what I mean? I think I'm rambling, lol. ..You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one... ;-)

The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone.

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
3 posted 2008-10-28 03:55 PM


Serenity - If only life could be like your game.  I guess we need a few main leaders in the political arena to market it but then I guess they'll just pocket all the profits and the people will be back to fighting for ... survival.

Enjoyed!

Helen

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
4 posted 2008-11-06 01:41 PM


I like your game far better. *S* Beautiful write!
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