Family Reunion Is Like Chess

The rook is sneaking up on us
But we don’t give a fig or a fraction
Because who is he anyway?
A one-directional bore snore really.
He slithers up and down the highway of life
Staying to corners, like a scared mouse.

The bishop refuses to let go of the knight.
No big surprise here. The knight can never shake him.
They are in some kind of parasitic relationship.
Not understood.
But also not bone-chilling 
or even worth a second thought.

Where are the pawns? They are usually giggling all around.
This is a family reunion after all.
I ask, but no one knows.
They are growing older now, bringing boyfriends and girlfriends.
I roll my eyes, remembering those days of looking in the mirror.
Never thinking I was ever ready.

The king is sitting in a recliner clicking through TV stations.
Other semi-kings are giving him advice.
“Not that one!” “That one!” “Dad!” “Granddad!”
Nothing new here.
I know the queen will be in the kitchen with fresh-baked rolls.
Cookies, brownies, and six kinds of pies.
So that is where I head of course.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Bauer Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 11:30 AM
such a fun poem, caren! love your ending especially...
Krutsinger Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Thank you Ilene; this was a fun poem to write.
Hankins Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 10:38 AM
I always check out the food table at any gathering where I'm told there will be potluck. I see some women side-eyeing me, but I do it anyway. I want to know where and what to hit first. I've been known to butt-in in order to get a piece of something I really like. Hey, worst is getting to it and it's all gone, right?
Krutsinger Avatar
June 11, 2022 at 11:01 PM
I despise looking at the empty lemon meringue pie pan with one sliver of lemon
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