The knight bus

The knight bus

Wearily, blearily, near spent;

One dark night, at bus stop I leant.

I'd partied hard then parted ways,

Reliving youth and storms I'd raise.

Along a long shadow did cast;

The late coach had arrived at last.

From grateful to great fool I felt:

I couldn't find my money-belt.

Incensed, in sensing people's smiles,

I turned to walk home many miles.

Soft, someone said “Son, stay stood still;

Play me a game, I'll pay your bill.”

An ancient sent, on my assent,

The precious coins; on bus I went.

Once boarded, I saw board for chess

Was waiting there in readiness.

“Sit, see at seat across aisle; I'll

Be black,” he said, no trace of guile,

“Will you play with your heart and soul?”

I humoured him, said “That's my goal.”

We marshalled our martial forces;

First footsoldiers then our horses.

We bustled, hustled, castled safe

And, on each flank, we tried to strafe.

I fought with thought, though naught was sought,

Except to repay fare he'd bought.

But, as threats made me fret faster,

“I serve my infernal master.”

He spat with undisguised disgust,

“I'll claim your soul, as we discussed.”

The dual nature of our duel:

To reap my life; I'd been a fool.

I gasped as grasped all his malice;

Shuddered at my poison chalice.

Rooks ran rampant, bold bishops blazed

A deadly trail; my defence razed.

Pawns crept, knights leapt, queens swept; I wept

As they closed in where my king slept.

Two moves to play, too late to save

My soul from clutches of the grave.

In most chess sessions, concession

Should serve to end the oppression.

No rays of light could raise my hope,

Till, desperate, I spied a rope.

Accordingly, it struck a chord;

I yanked the emergency cord.

Hell's harvester howled “Halt his hop!”

I waved, “Sorry, this is my stop.”

Lol