The Game

THE GAME A boy, and an old man, across a board, A game of strategy, played with a sword. The pieces move, with careful thought, Each player, a battle to be fought.4 The boy, a quick mind, with eyes so bright, The old man, a sage, full of insight. They play, with focus and intensity, A test of skill, a fierce velocity.8 The game unfolds, a battle of wits, The tension builds, each move a hit. The end draws near, the tension high, A single move and a final sigh.¹² The old man, with wisdom so keen, Makes the final move, a deft routine. The boy, in shock, his eyes so wide, He'd lost the game, his pride had died.¹6 But as he rose, his head held high, The old man said, "You fought a good fight." With those words, the boy's heart was light, He'd lost the game, but gained insight.²° That even when you lose the fight, There's always wisdom, a lesson to learn, From every battle, a lesson to earn.²³ Though you may fall, or feel despair, There's always hope, always a prayer. That even in darkness, light will shine, That even in sorrow, joy is divine.²7 So the boy left, his head held high, The old man smiled, a twinkle in his eye. Life is the game, the players are you and I.³° VICK MANUEL POETRY {VMP} FORM: Rhymes Copyright ©? November 2023.