White Queen

The pawns step out two paces at the start.

Nothing to lose and so they risk it all.

The bishops steer a course diagonal

Fessica Nelson North

Having their cloth, perhaps, too near at heart.

The knights ride forth with true cavalric art,

Leaping their hurdles, and the castles crawl

Down their dominions at the master's call,

And thus the careful pattern falls apart.

You have not moved, but I can see you there,

White Queen, so still beneath your sovereign's eyes,

Pallid and innocent with such an air

As might deceive an enemy less wise.

I know too well how you can leap to strike

This way or that, or any way you like!