II: Sela, Bishop of White

[crankyoldman]

This one was short, so I felt like posting a bit would be silly. I like the idea of varying lengths and devices. I think it adds to the distinct voices I'm getting at.



A Bishop in battle
on the King's side is a waste.

Sela could be doing many things
if it wasn't their nature to fight.
So she is the statue on which the
old King leans, ready to move with
slightest hobble of his royal feet.

Here, where the air is clear
she still smells like a temple.

A Bishop on the Queen's side moves
like a ghost because their liege
never stops moving. Their gods
remain both beautiful and terrible
with barbed tongues and nails.

She reserves her empathy for children,
never feels the heat when it's thrown.

Sela shifts as the old King shuffles
a pawn at their feet to step over,
the Knights have the guard. Anyone
where the air is clear knows it is early
for a declaration of Check.

A Bishop's sympathy
on the King's side is a waste.

Comments

[mendanbar.insanejournal.com]

Ooh, nice. She really does have a different voice. The description of the king hobbling is particularly good.

[lassarina.insanejournal.com]

I like the contrast between the King (old, feeble, reliant on assistance and faith to make his way) vs. the Queen (juxtaposed with beautiful and terrible; life, fertility, strength) and the differences between King's bishop and Queen's. Lovely.

[astralavator.insanejournal.com]

Very nice!

[drakonlily.insanejournal.com]

I love love love ADORE how you capitalized "check". Love.