Two men play chess

by the light of a candelabra

on a stone plinth

in a castle hall.

 

An adjudicator sits nearby

silence reigns

a thin evening light casts its goodbye

through a high slit,

runs its finger down

a tapestried wall.

 

The men in velvet doublets and hose

solemnly cast in concentration

both equally guilty

only the loser of the game will die,

(the sheriff being of curious

and inventive mind).

 

Such is the age of chivalry

no prospect of reward

just victory or the sword.

 

The castle is bored

drawbridge tight limbed

from lack of use,

just like the old times

thinks the sheriff

 

as knights bishops pawns

are thoughtfully and fatefully removed

exposing squares of black and white

in a closure of gambits

holes in a justice scarce approved.