Dark as flowing blood,
dusk descending,
as a crimson flood,
o’er the field of ending.

Hurry, hurry dawn
bring to life the light.
Protect frightened Pawn
from never-ending night.

Clever, clever King,
silent subterfuge,
enchanting, luring Pawn
to be his stooge.

Diplomats, politicians,
and other practiced liars,
call for Pawns and guns
to fan the frenzied fires.

Pretty beauty Queen
to her Castle keeps,
posing for the King
as the kingdom weeps

Skilled in art of compromise,
sacrificing principles,
diagonally disguised,
Bishops spin their spells.

Clever, clever King
expects to win the fight,
prepares the Pawn to Queen.
But Pawn becomes a Knight.

Patient, patient Pawn,
beauty and finesse,
moving warriors on
both sides of the quest.

Checkmate! 

 — Ivan Floyd Strope