Check

Check

by Kara Stewart

Take me out of your chess game.

Do you see me as one of your 

pawns

or am I the opposing player?

I am not part of your

Chess game.

Take me out.

Stop trying to anticipate my moves 

in advance,

Stop trying to set up the board

so that you maneuver me to

a place you feel is 

right.

Look up from the board.

And talk to me

About the now,

Directly.

Say what needs to be said

Directly.

Without considering 

Your next move,

My next move.

Put the board away.