Friday, April 2, 2021

In Which a 5 Year Old Attempts to Teach Me How to Play Chess

The board is all set up – just so,

the plastic figures in their proper squares

facing off. She has no idea

how much this terrifies me –

I have no idea

whether I’ll make it through a game

but I promise to try.

The barrage of instructions

almost overwhelms my brain

(as predicted)

so I blindly follow the recommended moves

trusting that my opponent has

my best interest at heart.

What could possibly go wrong?

She’s the one who wanted

to teach me, after all.

Despite my most valiant efforts

(probably not very valiant, in truth),

her brother’s earnest assistance

(and offers to assume control),

and all the patience I can muster,

the Queen of Chess Avoidance surrenders

and I forfeit the game

before it’s even over.

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