Play at subtle games

Play at subtle games

The pawn was glum, forlorn he stood,

Alongside all those carved of wood.

His king’s words sparked some ugly glares:

“Men and women merely players.”

What right had he to treat like lice?

Worse yet, dismiss their sacrifice?

For king had then spake the notion:

“None will sweat but for promotion.”

His mood turned black as square was on:

The pawn raged to a companion,

Who urged him not to bring them shame:

“If our betters play at that game,

We must not dare bemoan our lot,”

But first pawn raised another thought:

“If only king would give some praise;

He knows we have seen better days.”

The pawn’s speech rang true with his peers,

When rant so sour had reached their ears.

How much more then, when next relayed:

“I am easier to be played.”

Then roused, the pawns were up in arms,

But first one wished them brought no harm:

“Before we do regretted thing,

I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”

Our humble hero sought his lord

To share with him a private word;

“King, lowly ones are put upon;

I never held but as a pawn,

Though none is kinglier than thou,

I would yet know the why and how.”

Then, kindlier than sounds, from king:

“Child, nothing will come of nothing.”

“I can’t always share plan’s detail,

And like yourself, at times I rail!

I wish I could sway battle’s  course:

A horse!  My kingdom for a horse!

You may live even if we lose;

For me it’s always crown or noose.

All must say when they look my length:

King’s name is a tower of strength.”

The pawn saw his liege in new light;

Both understood the black and white.

“My pawns are ever loyal sword,

I read it in thy looks at board.

But worry not for all our fates

Are bound up in our fears and hates.

Both doom and glory, come from strife,

Must end the story of my life.”

Quick footnote - the title and italics are quotes from Shakespeare; some you will know but some not; within each verse they are the same play which should help with the more obscure ones.