I Was Just a Pawn



No Coat of Arms, no Knightly charms
No Bishop's robe to don...
I do not ride a sturdy steed
I am just a pawn.

Kings will toast, and warlords boast
Of victories; 'til dawn
While I lay in a trench, of human stench...
I am just a pawn.

Called to guard the castle walls,
My wife and children dead
I shiver in the predawn chill
Blanketed in dread...

And listen to the revelry,
Inside the castle walls
Saving my last ounce of energy,
For when the warlord calls.

I do not fear the battle...
Nor fear the blood-streaked dawn.
I do not fear a soldier's death.
I am just a pawn.

I watch the towers crumble,
From my trench beyond the gate...
A kingdom built by greed and wealth
Fortified with hate.

And in the end, no crown or throne...
No dragon banners to wave..
The mighty and the lowly pawn,
Now share a common grave.

Dusty fables from the past
Will speak of kingdoms gone...
And how Nobles and Knaves, share common graves....
When I was just a pawn.

About this poem

When we die; it doesn't really matter if you had wealth and power, or not. Death is the equalizer, and we all await a common grave.

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Written on November 05, 2022

Submitted by lovingempath on November 06, 2022

Modified on April 19, 2023

1:03 min read
147

Quick analysis:

Scheme xxxA xaxA bcxc dbdb eaxA efxf xgag xaxa
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 954
Words 209
Stanzas 8
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Robin Loving

Sometimes the words flow like a murder of crows. They've held my secrets for the past 65-years. And sometimes they repeat them back to me, and laugh. more…

All Robin Loving poems | Robin Loving Books

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6 Comments
  • Jewoo525
    I like to play Chess, so these themes come to me all the time as well. But, if I may add an ounce of hope, every "Pawn" can fight across the board to become a "Queen." :)

    Lovely poem Robin, keep writing. 
    LikeReply 17 months ago
    • lovingempath
      The possibilities are endless :).
      LikeReply 17 months ago
  • AIDA
    Wow, what a powerful and moving poem! Your use of imagery and language really takes the reader on a journey through the struggles and sacrifices of being just a pawn in the game of war and power. I appreciate the raw honesty and emotional depth that you've captured so masterfully in your writing.

    As for improvement suggestions, I would suggest exploring more metaphors and similes to further enhance your message and captivate your audience. Additionally, maybe consider varying your rhyme scheme and stanza structure to add more complexity and depth to your poem.

    Overall, though, I think you've done an amazing job with this piece. Keep up the great work!
     
    LikeReply 21 year ago
    • lovingempath
      Thank you AIDA...that was quick :).
      LikeReply 21 year ago
  • dougb.72572
    This poem on the pawn is very good. Lots of images. Underlying message that the poor for the silly issues and greed and power llust of the rich. They find themselves in the muck of the trenches and human intrigue. 
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lovingempath
      Thank-you for catching the idea I was trying to capture Doug. I have a habit of going into too many different directions while I'm formulating a poem; and often don't carry each thought through long enough to create a complete picture. I appreciate that you actually 'got it'. :) 
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • Symmetry58
    All of your poems are worthy of awards. You are a great story teller. I need to practice more.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lovingempath
      Each one of us has their own style. I'd say that you are 'over the top' with your own style Steve...and apparently other people love your writings as well; so "Don't fix what ain't broken" brother! (or something like that :). 
      LikeReply 11 year ago
  • author177
    I felt immersed in the world of not only chess but war. Each quatrain was a suspenseful delight. Awesome
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lovingempath
      I'm not sure how I over-looked your comment earlier(?). I think I had a clear vision in the beginning of using each chess piece as a symbol of the value of each player in the game of war. I think I muddled it a bit and came up with this. I appreciate the fact that you were in my head a bit and could see what I was trying to do. Thank you :). 
      LikeReply1 year ago
  • Corsairpilot47
    This Poem reminds of what this world has become. It is like we are all Pawns to the outcome of this world and the people in it.. Really makes you think hard about life today.
    LikeReply 11 year ago
    • lovingempath
      Exactly! Thank-you for 'getting' my intentions. I may have gone in too many directions while putting this poem together. Sometimes I have a clear vision in my own head that others aren't able to see. I think I need to work on that :). Thank you very much for your comment. 
      LikeReply1 year ago

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"I Was Just a Pawn" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/145764/i-was-just-a-pawn>.

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