HELEN OF TROY

Chess was my first passion before switching to poetry. Written in honor of women who play this sport.

HELEN OF TROY

I met a girl in Paris.

A fine looking Greek she is.

Hair as fair as white pieces

A queen of her own fortress.

 

She sits across the board

I spoke not a single word.

For she took my breath away

Forgot that I was there to play.

 

I’ve seen her flawlessly perform.

She has some deadly moves.

Calm and calculating

She’ll distract you with her grooves.

 

A rare opponent she is

With a killer enchanting look.

Sitting across the bench

A challenge I gladly took.

 

I've lost all sense of direction

When I saw she’s a bombshell.

She’s not just a goddess

But a champ and master as well.

 

As we face off in next event

I summoned all my confidence

I knew she’s Caissa’s daughter

With beauty, talent and cadence.

 

The moment of truth arrives

Both of us on the final round.

I waited anxiously on my seat,

Contemplating the odds of defeat.

 

She paid me little attention

Looking intently on the board

Staring I basked at her features

While my pawns are still in one accord.

 

With delicate crafty hands

She conjured a battle plan.

Opened with an aggressive stance

Blunt her move while I can.

 

As I mounted a defensive line

She sized me up with perceptive glance.

I doubted my Stonewall plan

Sicilian was my only chance !

 

With daring knight maneuver

Coordinated bishop rook attack.

Converging on my weakest square

My king side almost collapsed.

 

Shell shock I came back to my senses.

What a brilliant commander in chief.

Regrouped, I quickly castled

And breathe a sigh of relief.

 

As she pondered her next move

I marveled at her elegant mood.

So poised, even under pressure

To her my kingdom, I gladly surrender.

 

Endgame ensued with just few pieces.

Her onslaught I gallantly withstood.

Only to succumb to her angelic glances

A moved I don’t fully understood.

 

Facing such an immaculate opponent

Focus and attention - impossible !

Though I came there to win

Checkmate was - inevitable !

 

Conceding to a formidable supermodel

A game etched forever in my mind.

I gaze at her face one last time

A close encounter of the Third Kind.

by NeiL ArandA

11/19/13

Photo Courtesy by ChessCraft.blogspot.com  ~ Women Chess Grandmaster Anna Sharevich of Belarus ELO Rating 2257

 

 

Author's Note

Helen of Troy was Zeus and Leda's daughter. According to Greek mythology she was considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Her abduction by Paris brought about the Trojan War.

What if you're an aspiring talented young chess player. On your way to your first World Chess Championship title. Having eliminated Garry Kasparov of Russia on the first round and demolishing Anand Viswanathan of India on the second round . Magnus Carlsen of Norway manage to draw only to be annahilated by you on tie break blitz game. Reaching the finals, only one unknown opponent stand in the way between you, the trophy and the most coveted world championship title.

You came prepared. You have not left any stone unturned. Your rigorous training and long preparation made you almost unstoppable and invincible until you found out who you're playing with. You're caught totally by surprise. With this kind of opponent no defence ever existed yet nor it could ever be refuted. Losing is inevitable and bittersweet.

Reviews

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Neil, I can't relate with the chess terms here but I do understand what you mean here because of that message. For me there's nothing wrong from being passionate with chess because I know some friends here who love chess like you. I believe that chess is the game of intelligent people. If ever, I have won many times in playing chess in my computer, I may be a fanatical one like you. But the computer is a good chess player. LOL

Being passionate with poetry is also good. I have declared to myself that I'm obsessed with it, but since I'm so busy in my career/job, the last one will be my choice.

Going back to your poem, this is amazing. I admire how you state each line. You are really great, Neil. You are a real poet. Your poems are great. Only few can make such poems in that style. And only few can get my attention like this when it comes to poetry. I'm just a simple writer and I admire those who are better than mine. LOL.

Please keep writing!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Dhaye, you really took your time reading my piece. I have always dream of composing chess poem. The first one I did was 8 years ago. I was very sad then and it was a sad chess poem but I've lost it. Please don't think that my writing skills is superior than yours or anyone. That is far from the truth. Iron sharpens another iron. A poet encourage and motivates another poet. No one is dull and no one is sharp. No one is inferior and superior. Each of us has a role and a place and a part to play. You are the one who told me that I had a writers block when I was unable to write for almost a month. During that period I was reading and admiring other writers piece and work. What really makes a piece a masterpiece is not the person that penned it but rather the person who appreciate your piece and take it and hold it dear and close to his/her heart. The true value of the poem lies on the eyes of its beholder. Otherwise a piece is just but a words and ink.Thanks Dhaye ... you truly have a kind and caring heart...

[NeiL ArandA]

That is true Dhaye, I was really looking for someone that would look at my piece from a critical point of view. I don't really like flattery or look good feel good review. Someone that would really hit me hard and smothered my piece. No one has stood up for that yet...except you. Are you up for a real challenge ? I am not a philosophical person but I'm game. When do you want to start ?

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

I'm not here for any game, Neil..but I will accept your challenge. Thank you for the challenging me...

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

mali-mali na ang type ko ng words...sorry, ang gulo ng utak ko.
typo: Thank you for challenging me. If it is a joke, still I accept it.

[Rita L. Sev]

A fine history lesson here, Neil, and a great ode to your passion for the game of chess. Coincidentally, my husband had his first meeting of the middle-school chess club - your poem is timely!

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank again Ms Rita. I used to compete only on a club level. Your husband can very well relate to my idea and motif. I studied chess like a schoolar. But I never reached master strength level. Hope your husband would smile and laugh at this piece. Thank you so much again.