The Pipe and Board

Ethan Kagin

A puff of smoke

A spark of flame

A wooden pipe

An old chess game

Both are scholars,

Both may teach,

Each in silence

Devoid of speech

The pipe,

The trademark of a man

May lead to listen,

As no other can

Calm your breathing,

Still your tongue

Learn to listen,

Like the young

On the board,

Eight men stand

Each a leader

Of the land

The pipe made gentle,

The game made wise

To a man of character

The challenge lies

Be the king

Of his own

By love’s grace,

Hold the throne

See the enemy

As they come,

Face your fear,

Beat the drums

Only you can beat your foe,

The army from your heart of woe

With courage, valor, and wisdom strong

Your army cries its battle song

At last, you see, their king at bay

At last, you see you’ve won the day

And as the smoke clears you will find

Peace inside your weary mind