Jackie Metcalfe (London)

Counters laid, last card played, final dice thrown,
Match over, time up, final whistle blown
Game packed up, set aside, for another day
Two players, now apart, gone separate ways.
She was too committed; he hardly cared
Often she played solo, few games were shared.

In the end time ran out, so did the fun
Lost cards, broken pieces, too soon it was done.
He made all the rules up; she played it straight
He lied and cheated, it was stale-mate
Lost opportunities, failed strategies
Game plan was forgotten, nothing would please

The game is now over, nobody won
Why does she sit and cry, wanting to play on?