Queens and Pawns

How lonely the battlefield
from birth to death
defenses circumventing sword's thrust
ending breath's campaign
a naked warrior.

Hopscotching for survival
across checkered landscapes
peril's gravity tugs and pulls
mind navigates surprise attacks
hidden landmines
predator strategies.

Pause…

Connect around corners
avoid distractions
think ahead
realize jeweled crowns of tenacity
seek not the I
but instead the To Be.

Then…

Rest.

Patience knows us well.

Life’s game understands strategy.