Many Can Move From Side To Side Poem by Alex waters

Many can move from side to side,
Some can move diagonally,
Making it easy to run or hide,
But a pawn I shall always be.

I often get a good start.
But usually a space at a time.
Such a shame for such a big heart,
To be limited to such a confine.

I know the danger it will bring,
But I gladly take my orders.
I’ll always serve under my king,
And protect his royal quarters.

And so I move first,
Slow but sure,
Expecting the worst,
But quick to endure.

I make way for the rook,
Shimmering in armor so white.
The life of a pawn he took;
Then that of a knight.

But the enemy strikes so fierce,
With strategy so divine.
I look at my king through my tears,
As they pummel our front line.

Where is my queen,
For goodness sake?
Surely she is a worthy being,
To which hope cannot escape.

But it was too late.
The queen had been seized.
For a bishop acted as bait,
As a rook did as he pleased.

Our numbers began to wane,
Leaving us not so strong,
A knight, bishop, and a rook remain,
Aside from this lonesome pawn.

Now there is worth to prove,
No longer a war of pride.
The enemy is on the move,
And there is nowhere left to hide.

Many of the king’s men
Fell and died this day.
But the remainder will defend,
As I boldly lead the way.

The trade will be made before long.
Only a space lies between.
Finally a life more than a pawn,
and I sacrificed it all for my queen.

Who won in the end?
I could not say.
Words they did not send,
After locking me away.

Oh woe ways me,
A prisoner once more.
For a pawn I shall always be,
Peeking through this dungeon door.