The Chessmen Keep Warm

A chessboard can be rather cold,
even in mid-June.
Then, for chessmen, shivering,
'checkmate' can't come too soon.

But no-one throws a game away
on purpose, losing face.
Instead both kings determine to
install a fireplace.

And yet, when everybody's cold,
though no-one wants to lose,
the magnet of that warming blaze
can influence their moves.

The chequered board is black and white
and all the chessmen know,
exactly where their paths lie,
and where they may not go.

But when the air's so chilly,
and in their need for heat,
I wonder if some chessmen
have been provoked to cheat?

poem © Celia Warren 2013

It's been a long time since the chessmen had an outing. To catch up on their previous adventures, click the links below. If you want to find out more about them, have a look at my 'About' page.

The Chessmen's Holiday

Chessmen in the Garden

Fool's Mate

Wedding on the Chessboard

Secret Moves

Chessmen at the Zoo

King Fishers

The Artist

Two Bishops in Bed

RIP (TNT)

A Drive in the Country

Singing in the Shower?

A Dalek on the Chessboard

Carol Singers

The Pawns' Football Match

The Bishop's Nightmare

Letting Off Steam  

Chessmen at the Seaside

The Chessmen Abroad

The Black King's Hobby

Damage Limitation

The Bishop's Train

In the Post

Merry Christmas

and

A Family Gathering.