Counting The Pieces

She thought she made all the right moves
but can’t seem to capture the king.

Through all her squares of black and white,
he stays
continuously grey.

She’s counting the pieces;
he’s idle and speechless.

She thought that by now
the game would be won
or at least somehow
all the pain could be numb.

She tries to check his position
as he plays out a mute mission.

The effect building
and respect yielding
add to the tension
but the king's an exemption
with no queen for protection.

He looks for no connection;
keeping hidden his direction.

It's not a game to him;
her chances
slowly trimmed.

She’s counting the pieces;
he’s idle and speechless.