The Lethal Game

Once but a mere checkered board for pleasure
A tactical game of strategic thinking
Now of monstrous competitive proportions
Played by youngsters with dreams
Labored by adults learning patience is brutal
Trophied by adolescents understanding little
But the game

Bishops preach
Knights recon
Castles wait
And the androgynous queen makes its check
While the pawns scamper
Knowing capture is but time spent
In temporary confinement
Until the next battle

A game played with blacks and whites
Yellows and browns
Carved and molded
Digitized and magnetized
All pieces sacrificed if necessary
To protect the seat of power

Eventually
Nothing is merely conquered
Destruction of the playing field
Remains all important
Check mate is of zero mercy

Such is Washington