Chess Poem 05: Igor Ivanov Poem by Kim Barney
Chess Poem 05: Igor Ivanov
His name was Igor Ivanov,
someone you probably never heard of.
He was a grandmaster of chess
and certainly one of the best.
I played him once, some years ago
and he was a formidable foe.
I'm no beginner, and yet
this was a game to not forget.
Soon he threatened bishop and knight;
I could save one, but which was right?
I left them both, let him decide
which one to take (can't save my pride) .
He took neither one, and to my dismay
brought a third attacker into the fray.
Three pieces threatened, can't save all,
and he's really setting me up for the fall.
The game is in turmoil (so is my mind) .
How could I fall so far behind?
If this were over, that would be great,
then suddenly he says 'Checkmate! '
He passed away a few years ago, and this poem is in his memory.
(Written 27 Aug 2014)
Not one word you wrote here is unknown to me. I do understand all what you have created and worded. Even Ivanov I know, but I have never played vs him. He did came to the Netherlands, but I THOUGHT at that time I will never win from him, and I am right NOW. YOU are sure a better chess player than me, I KNOW that, and you lost. True chess players are always honest, like YOU, as you said in your Poet´s Notes: ...I felt like a total beginner.
Number 3, the last one: I have enjoyed totally your captivating poem, Kim, you captured this game so well and I have reread this too many times. I am lucky to have discovered another " Chess Insane" (I meant the best with my phrase, nothing but the good, Kim, because I myself AM a chess insane person. It´s hopeless, any subject I take as a hobby, I become a fanatic one. I still have my daily work too, giving lectures to the students of the university.
An excellent 'story' and set of rhymes. Well done, my friend. : ) bri
And merely '2 years' later, I've returned (as Kim reminded me of his chess poems) and I give 5 stars.
Well, Kim, old boy, you got your wish. The game 'was' over! ! A nice 'write'. to MyPoemList bri :)
ADDITION: May Igor rest in peace. I have enjoyed all his games all over the world. I know almost all grandmasters and the likes. Very sad, my hub never wants to play with me, he always loses. I am not a member anymore of any club, since my daily work has my highest priority. I knew that you play chess, I know that recently from Darwin (Hank) . Recently I have been in Thailand, where he had resided for such long. T.U. Kim.
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4/19/2024 2:30:55 PM # 1.0.0.1119
WOW! A Poem to my heart, dear Kim, just came across this Poem 05 of your very talented mind (hihi not PEN) and CHESS is also one of my admired hobbies...............and I must admit I have so many hobbies, but Chess is a " think sport" so that remains one of my most fav. busy doing next to poetry and........still my great duty: giving lectures to my students (university students) . I have enjoyed your Poem 05 very much. All well known to me.