BEFORE I GO
you and I have tangled before.
In my youth
we played chess
at least four times.
You teased and taunted me
with illness, disease and injury,
and each time I defeated you.
I know the half light
is drawing near.
The malaise of age
overwhelms me now.
I am an old knight
too weary
and too feeble
to carry on the game,
to counter and thwart your skills.
In the end it matters not
whether you play
the Arabian, Boden or Légal checkmate.
One way or another
you will checkmate
and settle the score.
But you are not Herr Dr. Josef Mengele
to do as you please,
hither and thither.
Deep Blue is the Grand Master.
He knows my moves.
He is most merciful.
And he will remind you
to be kind, be gentle
when I slip this skin and bones
and you rend my soul
from this mortal realm.
Remember that old bard?
The one who said,
"Death, be not proud.
Thou too shall die"
when all the dust of this world
has been gathered.
Heed Deep Blue's moves.
Be kind. Be gentle.
Let me go peacefully.
© Breyel, Timm. "Before I Go". All rights reserved. No part of this text may be copied, broadcast, reproduced in print or electronically represented without permission from the author.
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