Chess

The opening; play it textbook or go off the rails.

Hours of learning in the realm without imagination,

The correct moves are black and white, night and day.

The dullest way to learn to play.

Or go off-book, have an adventure, break the mould,

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Watch your opponent as their strategy devolves.

Out of their comfort zone, out of their minds,

Watch as the world crumbles.

The midgame; a clear oasis, filled with poison,

Dynamic and deadly, Damocles’ blade ever sharp.

The beauty of fine poetry, call it the Tell Tale Heart.

Two minds at war, the battleground between them.

Tension ramps as pressure builds,

Adrenaline floods until the dam breaks

Until one player makes a big mistake.

The endgame; logic becomes god.

Control the space or regicide shall be your fate.

Small advantages become titans upon the board.

The cold, heartless mop up of battles past.

The lone forlorn pawn's path barred forever by his counterpart.

The bishop off-colour, his foe close but forever away.

With consummate precision, the victor strikes true.