Awesome poem!
Preparations
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Thanks very much. Again, it was done over a few sessions in Subway. I seem to write most there now, sad reflection on business of life.
Preparations
The white king took a deep breath, then
Surveyed the training of his men.
The pawns were fixed, their steady rank
Taught how to spearhead on each flank.
Advanced lessons were set upon,
Imparting skills like en passant.
The king was proud, as he looked round,
That one might promote, earn a crown.
He paced along to view the next
Section where bishops studied text,
Detailing how to best invade,
Despite being stuck on one shade.
They drew patterns in their journals,
Researching all diagonals.
He knew that, wielded properly,
Combined the pair had strength of three.
His noble knights, now to inspect;
He held these troops with high respect,
For twisting, turning leaps of such
Intricacy were valued much.
He watched them spin, reverse and wheel;
Their complex tours would teach to steal
Crucial foreposts in foes' domain,
Through locked battle-lines of pawn-chains.
The king's regard went to his rooks,
Who'd start each war in corner nooks.
They'd bide their time, castle with him,
Till most comrades had met fate grim.
Once clutter of soldiers did clear,
Then would the mighty rooks appear.
They knew positions to strive for:
Lucena and the Philidor.
And so his queen, the white king mused;
Never had she challenge refused.
Bursting with power over all
Directions, standing proudly tall.
She was his warlord in the field,
Would give her life for outcome sealed.
He could not then mourn her passing;
Replacing her was goal as king.
His thoughts dwelt then on bitter taste
Of dooming his army; such waste.
Helpless, he'd wait while others fell,
Till came his moment, at their knell:
Transformed into a vital piece,
Once mating threats had come to cease.
Solemn burden that he would bear,
Only the other king could share.