The Red Queen

Does he think me a fool
that I would fall for his ploy
be drawn into his trap
his feeble transparent gambit

I will not

strategy must play out slowly
protection is imperative
but foolhardy aggression

tantamount to failure

the squarely stark contrasts
of extreme dark and light
laid out before me
engage my player’s drive

stir my essence
fire my soul
with the need
to be right

absolutely

I feel sweat droplets
on the verge
but I must stay cool

to show vulnerability
to hint at fear
is deadly

yes — stay cool

this situation
is at once familiar
yet it feels
exotically foreign

anxiety gnaws
at my resolve

the sensation
is a hollow
empty place
deep within

echoing
with uncertainty

but I embrace
the moment

I believe I see
his plan
his diabolical vision

but still
I combust
with questions

yet I know
they bring
the right answers

I see clearly
his obvious next move

and I see mine

I feel joyfully free
elevated by my insight

I’m held transfixed
by this beautiful mystery
that is chess

yes – yes
I see it all
I see it clearly

yet
I must be careful

everything
rides on this

why am I so intense
you wonder

this is not a matter
of life and death
you say

oh no
my friend
oh no

it is far more serious
than simply that

David Maverick © 2007

*
rob kistner © 2021

Poetry at: The Sunday Muse

More poetry at: earthweakl