PAWNS WITH A PURPOSE

Gillian Moore

The chessmen, as we know, comprise a splendid team

Whose diverse members differ in the play's esteem.

Yet every piece, no matter what the rank or role,

Partakes of the potential of the Player's whole.

For, on the board there is a place and time for all ~

Each piece has its allotted space and interval.

And every piece is gifted with its strengths to share,

Yet none has access all the time to everywhere.

True, merest pawns may not assume immediate rights

And attributes of queens and bishops, rooks and knights.

Instead, those plodding pilgrims, patient questing souls,

Must tread the files as paths towards their glorious goals.

Remember, pawns are valued least, yet their devotion

Can crown their service with success of pawn promotion.

When time is ripe and higher purpose supervenes,

Those pawns might stride as powerful and free as queens!

Gillian Moore