Game’s Breath

How lonely the battlefield of defense
from birth to death,
shields circumvent swords thrusting,
ending breath's campaign
a naked warrior.

Hopscotching for survival
across checkered landscapes,
peril's gravity tugs and pulls,
mind navigates surprise attacks,
hidden ambushes,
predators scheming.

Strategy calls…

Watch the corners,
avoid distractions,
think ahead,
realize jeweled crowns of tenacity
should seek not the I
but instead,

the To Be.

Then…

Rest.

For in your joy of playing,
know the next round

of Time's sport of survival
will offer more threats of check,

but only one checkmate,

that ending move that takes

the game’s breath.