ENDGAME

           

    I try not staring at the guy
        who stares at me all day. 
            These cubicles get stale.
        I keep out
            of our company's affairs.
                One sight of HER,
                    we all turn pale.
                Can't even look back at the boss,
                    I'm told.
    I see them shifting past,
        some bounding stud
        or biased holy,
        rookies buffed and bold.
            Not work.
            It's war.
                They're out for blood.
    They say
        they'll treat me royal
            if I make it through the ranks.
    Across,
        the other team's new guy,
            the rumor says,
                is out to take my spot.
    I ask
        "Who sets up these extremes?
        Who moves the mover of us pawns?"
            Next I expect to hear
                the queen is dead,
                the king's been checked.