A Gentleman's Game

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This poem expresses my respect and understanding of the game of chess and was written from the perspective of my favored piece.

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Can any here recall my name?
Intoned by plenty years ago,
today I'd say but for a game
they play, not many here may know!

But here I stand and there you sit
and since we're comrades, more or less,
let's have a bit of fun with it!
What hints I give may help you guess...

I, with my face of stone, a lock
and walls by iron fortified,
encase His Grace in solid rock
while altercate takes place outside

My brother's straight across from me,
identical in width and length.
Twin towers, we wait silently, 
each building on the others strength

I bide my time and mind the wall
that rises from the palace banks,
though sabres chime and soldiers fall 
to foe that slowly climb the ranks

Still, I must wait to join the show
'til Bishop, Knight and gallant Pawn
have made a kill or died below
and viscera spills on the lawn

As yet, these casualties of war
stay in our thoughts and they are missed
but let us not forget two more,
who to this very day exist  

While we salute remembered men,
the same, in suit, is also due
to distant members of my kin,
who I'll now introduce to you...

Mine uncle and his shining spouse,
fine experts in their elements,
Sir Windmill and the Lanternhouse. 
I'll next define their relevance:

When rivers flow and wind doth blow
and each do meet the mighty Mill,
men who eat grain (opposed to crow!) 
bestow defeat upon the hill

And as for she who light the sea,
true monolith illuminate!
Thee shine to shore mine enemy,
to be defined before my gate

Respect much paid to lance and shield,  
today we play at gentlemen
but say perchance we meet afield...
none may expect such fancy then!

Nay, back to front or port to right,
I'll stay the course until I'm took
or paid in trade to black or white...

For I'm the force they call the ROOK!

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