MY CHESS CAREER

My mother taught me the moves.
I must have lost
that first game.

My grandfather said ‘En Garde’,
when he attacked my Queen.
That was an old European custom.
His gold tooth shone
when he smiled.

My brother swept the pieces off the board
and chipped the King’s crown.
Then he moved to Scotland.

My best friend would not play me.
He preferred tennis.

I played blindfold
against my cousin.

In the chess club we play with clocks,
and forget that Time is passing.

Against you
I do not try to win.

My first move was
when I was born.
And my last
will be against Dr. Death.

Will someone take me from my box
and start a new game?

Oliver Dunne