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Open Poetry #26
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a yin yang game
| Open Poetry #26 |
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a yin yang game |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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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. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
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. ================================== GAWD I ADORE YOUR SPIRIT & THE WAY YOUR MIND TURNS WORDS INTO POETRY!!!! I wish you could see the smile on me mothy face that came from reading this.   I refuse to accept that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism & war that the daybreak of peace can never be reality. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
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. ============================== 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. ================================== still smiling.... (you ARE poetry baby)  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
"He let me play in peace." Amen. |
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garysgirl  
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Oh Karen  This I love..... 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. Thank you, friend "To be in love with love is truly to love".....by Paladin |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
"He let me play in peace." You know lady...I'd love to buy you a tiara!! Love ya, Hugs. ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
Karen: this has got to be my favorite piece by you I love to play chess - am just horrible at it myself and never understood the "go for the kill" idealism behind a "game". I like yours better too . . . keep playing . . . xxoo |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
can we all do that? "play in peace" wonderfully done. . . --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world. |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
A much needed smile upon my face [This message has been edited by Aenimal (05-19-2003 01:17 PM).] |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
a very wonderful write, Karen. I have several chessgames, one I made myself. I just might have to bring it out. And don't we all wish to be Queens, at least for a day? *He taught you well. M |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
serenity An excellent write much enjoyed. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
"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." yes, Karen and some days in many ways, you are her BTW, I'm keeping this one. [This message has been edited by Midnitesun (05-19-2003 02:27 PM).] |
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Brad Majors
since 2001-04-03
Posts 2647Georgia |
nice  |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Karen...this poem, you...a wonderland of girl/woman thoughts and a father's love and games of peace I wish for real. Love the thought of this, ya know...and IWIHWT  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I wanted to say thank you, as silence might be mistaken for "ingratitude." I'm just a little wordless today. But if you'll forgive the audacity of my quoting myself? "I fell in love with every one" I do mean that sincerely. Love to you all! |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
I'm still smiling  |
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brian sites Senior Member
since 2002-06-25
Posts 1475usa |
it is too bad that we all can't share a childish (maybe)land this poem shows your depth and beauty silent... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I'm not quite sure why... out of all the poems waiting for me, unread... this one called to be opened first... But how glad I am that I listened!!! You've created some incredible poetry, sen... and this has to be one of your very best. *S* I never learned chess... but I think I'd like your version. *S* Wonderful! |
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wranx Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689Moved from a shack to a barn |
Sadly, I'm left now without an original comment. I can only underscore what everyone else here has testified to... Happily! ~yeti |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
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. Yes, indeed....there are lessons to be learned in even games. Going into my library this is. Awesome Karen !! hugs, Chris "Hope" is the thing with feathers- |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Kare??? You know that I know how you feel. [This message has been edited by garysgirl (05-20-2003 10:27 AM).] |
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QjQ Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756U.S.A. |
Wow terrific thoughts and well written!! Poetry gives us relief, We give poetry reason. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Thanks again. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Hey Karen, what a terrific write m'dear and the ending? perfect! Miss you  M |
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