Alix in Wonderland

Many people are using their new-found time to learn new skills, including me. Some of you might be trying out a new sport or a new game. Maybe Rachel Rooney, the writer of this poem, is finally giving chess a try? But if it turns out she still doesn’t understand it, I hope she uses her time to write more beautiful poetry.

I’ll never understand the rules of chess
or boys. I only know the word checkmate.
Perhaps that’s why my love life is a mess.

I haven’t learnt the moves, it’s all a guess.
My instinct is to play my bishop straight.
I’ll never understand the rules of chess.

I’ve had beginner’s luck – though I confess
my strategies are weak, I don’t notate.
Perhaps that’s why my love life is a mess.

I know a Kasparov – but I digress
I send my queen towards her captured fate.
I’ll never understand the rules of chess.

A game? A sport? To me, it’s simply stress.
I’d rather Scrabble or Articulate.
Perhaps that’s why my love life is a mess.

I gently tip my tired king to rest
and stop the clock. I’m choosing not to date.
I’ll never understand the rules of chess.
Perhaps that’s why my love life is a mess.

Rachel Rooney