Chessmen at the Zoo

Chessmen at the Zoo

Though chessmen love their battles
And a tournament or two,
Today they're on safari
(Well, they're visiting the zoo)!

"How on earth," a white rook wonders,
"Do they manage with no squares?
I'd rather have a chequered board
Than lurk around in lairs."

"Their moves are all so varied,"
A black bishop soon agrees.
"I can't imagine swinging
By my tail through the trees."

"You haven't got a tail,"
Some scornful pawns observe.
"Just you wait," the bishop mutters,
"And you'll get what you deserve . . .

Consider yourselves taken,
The next match that we play!"
But the pawns have disappeared -
There's so much to see today.

The knights all love the zebras,
"The best creatures in the zoo!"
One pawn begins to giggle:
"That's because they look like you!"

But guess who like the lion
And the lioness the best?
Those other regal majesties,
The kings and queens of chess.

poem © Celia Warren 2011

Yes, they're back! If you've never met the chessmen before, then check out these, mate!

The Chessmen's Holiday

Chessmen in the Garden

Fool's Mate

Wedding on the Chessboard

Secret Moves

Thank you so much for all your kind words and congratulations on my news yesterday. I had a look on Amazon and see that the title is there already for pre-orders. And they have the publication date as 1st September. But the launch is definitely in August ....

PS Anyone recognise my homegrown bonsai in the background there?