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Open Poetry #5
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A Game of Chess..... (Repost from #1)
| Open Poetry #5 |
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A Game of Chess..... (Repost from #1) |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
In the summer of my seventh year my grandfather, Pepe, taught me the stratagem of Chess. Many were the lessons learned about the game and about life in general. I was sixteen when I finally got the last word in. I wish it never had happened. This one's for him and everyone who plays the game. Sixty four squares, eight to a side A checkered land where armies collide Thirty two pieces, half of them yours Sixteen a set ready to wage war The Pawn, fodder for the attack Takes courage within the pack The Rook, a castle of defense Patrols the lines, guards the fence The Knight, galloping the land It matters little barriers they plan The Bishop, most pious of pieces Slashes too the farthest reaches The Queen, beware Her royal might She'll travel abroad, wherever the fight The King, well He is the prize And that's where victory lives, and dies "Forward," the call The front rank responds Into no-mans land Maneuver the pawns Establish the line Set and brace Thrust and parry Face to face Shore up the line Commit the cavalry Worry the flanks Check their savagery Draw out the enemy Find the flaw Was that an opening? A feint, that's all Roll the cannons Blessed by the priest Concentrate fire For soon they'll feast Now secret the King Safe in his castle Bordered by men He'll brook no hassle A play for the center! First blood is drawn Sacrifice little Only a Pawn Sweep them aside The opposing force Capture another Charge the horse Throw down the gauntlet Challenge the fight Commit the forces Here comes their Knight With lowered lances The two do meet And in the end They both loose seat Now comes the Queen To command the field With council in tow The Bishop she'll wield "Beware," pickets report Enemy in sight Probing the flank Protect the right Shift in defense A fatal move Loss of position A piece to remove Rethink the attack Consider defense To late There's a hole in the fence Recall the armies Surrender ground Where's the Queen? She's also gone down The church is a loss So is the state The King's position A foregone fate The enemy gathers Storming the castle gate To utter one word "Checkmate" |
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| © Copyright 2000 Andrew Scott - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Just as fresh a reading as the first time, thanks for the repost. But now I hasten to ask, did you leave bitter words between your grandfather and you? If so, I am sure he has forgiven you since... Sunshine Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Lady Sunshine: Thank you for your response... it is much appreciated. As for my grandfather and I, no ill words were ever spoken between us. The reference to "last word" was that I finally managed to defeat him in a game of chess. I believe he was somewhere in his late 70's at the time and he wasn't playing as sharp as he use to... blatant mistakes in his game showed his mind wasn't as young as it once was. Old age was the real victor in that game... and my statement was against that inevitable march of time. It was also one of the last times we were ever able to play together as we were separated by about 2000 miles. |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Wow!! I'm not sure I've read this Scott, can't imagine forgetting it if I did....it's wonderful. I love the game of chess, I taught myself at age 10, play too little to suit me and am not that good at it, but have fun anyway.  |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Lady Hoot: Me thinks you were not part of our fellowship when first I posted this piece. Glad you enjoyed. I too do not get enough opportunity to play... but I plan on teaching my daughters when they are a little bit older. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Sounds like you and your grandfather had a great relationship. I have tried but can't grasp the game of chess, but I admire those smart enough to be able to! Wonderful poem! |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Lady D... thanks for looking in. The game itself is pretty easy to play... its the stratagy that's a but kicker. But hey, different strokes for different folks. Thanks again. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
This is one of my favorites from OP#1... I'm glad you reposted it.... Thanks Andrew...  |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Andrew- I thought I'd been 'rooked' by not seeing this piece ... but I hadn't entered the playing ground when you first posted it. This 'queen' bows to the 'king' I grasped the saddness of your first and final 'checkmate' with your grandfather. However I can imagine that he was pleased you had finally mastered the game. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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