Sun Kissed Days

Sun Kissed Days

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Game Of Life






Dust settled on the chessboard,
the queen and king no longer dance,
through the square green patches on the board.
The gardens are silent with sadness.
The little boy waited for them to awaken
and play hide and seek with the knight and the bishop.
He dreamt,
his mentor gone.
He remembered the wisdom taught,
the lessons of defeat ,
and the triumph of victory.
His grandpa's wisdom,
about the art of living.
His instruction of the game,
his kindness.
The boy became a man,
as he reached for the stars,
as he jumped over the hurdles of life,
he whispered  under his breath, " checkmate. This one is for you grandpa."

http://dversepoets.com/  Join us at the Pub where we share our thoughts and our hearts.
Posted by at

94 comments:

  1. Brian MillerNovember 1, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    smiles...lovely piece....and what a grandfather to make such an impression on the boys and that he would live to be a tribute to him as well...it is a game well played..

    ReplyDelete
  2. ClaudiaNovember 1, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    oh he learned his lesson well and what a man that grandfather must have been..reaching for the stars is a good thing...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Pat HattNovember 1, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Relating chess to life and all that was taught and reaching for the stars, all wrapped into verse. Woderful piece. Great last line love the "check mate" remark.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 3:06 PM

    I love wisdom past from grandparents to grandchildren often in quite rituals and stolen moments. You captured this so well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chasing TaoNovember 1, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Nicely crafted ayala...I love the way you depicted the path of wisdom and where it may be found..where it comes from,,,and where it goes!

    Roger ☺

    ReplyDelete
  6. BelindaNovember 1, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Grandpas are like superheroes to the little ones. Their lessons and wisdom are seared in memory for a long time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. DaydreamertooNovember 1, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    ahhh ... lovely game to teach a grandchild too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Ah... how special and encouraging. Love the chess comparison

    ReplyDelete
  9. Adura OjoNovember 1, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Amazing what a child can learn in a game... sharing wisdom from a nuturing and learned adult. we never forget those who nuture us and the life lessons we learn from them.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jannie FunsterNovember 1, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    That's sweet, Ayala. I've never caught onto chess much, but he obviously loved his grandpa a lot. And reaching for the stars is something all your poems do -- and succeed.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  11. ScarletNovember 1, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Very nice lessons from the grandpa..chess is more than a game of wits...it also teaches about patience and life ~

    ReplyDelete
  12. Laurie KolpNovember 1, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    ...and those words of wisdom live on loud and clear during the difficult times.

    ReplyDelete
  13. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Thank you, Brian. I thought of this when my son was receiving his interviews for his residency. My dad was so proud of him...he taught him so much.

    ReplyDelete
  14. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Thank you, Claudia. He was an amazing man and a great grandfather.

    ReplyDelete
  15. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    Thank you, Pat.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Thank you, darkangelwrites. So true....

    ReplyDelete
  17. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Thank you, Roger :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I agree, Belinda. I think of mine and the longing is still there.....

    ReplyDelete
  19. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I agree, Bren :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:50 PM

    Thank you, Wolfsrosebud.

    ReplyDelete
  21. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Adura, we remember those that nurture us...they are such an important part of us.

    ReplyDelete
  22. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Jannie..he loved his grandpa and his grandpa loved him... xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  23. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Yes, Heaven..it's a great game that teaches so much...

    ReplyDelete
  24. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    True, Laurie...true!

    ReplyDelete
  25. LiveHigh Commercial Property Listing & BeyondNovember 1, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    I enjoyed reading it and loved the checkmate ending.

    ReplyDelete
  26. ayalaNovember 1, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Thank you, Oceangirl.
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Beautiful - just the right amount of pathos, and victory in the end. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  28. RavenblackNovember 1, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Nice emotions expressed and emulating from this piece. :) I love the chess reference, I can imagine the guidance the grandfather had given to the man. Enjoyed this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    layered such lovely imagery, the closing sentiment a touching end. ~ Rose

    ReplyDelete
  30. VictoriaNovember 1, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Touching and tender...I had a grandfather like that. A remarkable gift.

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    So very sweet. K.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownNovember 1, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    This is lovely, and you captured the special love between a child and grandparent. I wasn't as close to my grandparents as my children are. I'm so thankful they have that.

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnonymousNovember 1, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Oh, such a lovely tale. I miss my grandparents too.

    ReplyDelete
  34. kamanaNovember 2, 2011 at 12:15 AM

    very tender moment captured in this delightful verse.

    ReplyDelete
  35. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    Thank you, Ruth.

    ReplyDelete
  36. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    Thank you, Ravenblack.

    ReplyDelete
  37. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    Thank you, Rose. :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:19 AM

    Victoria...it is a wonderful gift..I was fortunate too.

    ReplyDelete
  39. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    Thank you, Karin.

    ReplyDelete
  40. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:21 AM

    Thank you, Lori. it's great that your children have it...it's truly a gift.

    ReplyDelete
  41. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:21 AM

    Thank you, Anna.

    ReplyDelete
  42. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    Thank you, Kamana.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    A beautiful piece Ayala. Love the picture of the chessboard, garden squares and dancing pieces. The last line is so touching. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  44. LeslieNovember 2, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    so lovely that your son had a grandfather to inspire him like that.

    ReplyDelete
  45. CMNovember 2, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Oh that was so moving. I got chills when I read the last line. Beautiful.

    My DH can't wait to teach my boys how to play chess someday.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    A strong and delightful poem.

    Lady Nyo

    ReplyDelete
  47. kaykualaNovember 2, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    The payback for Gramps is in the later success of the youngsters. Great!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
  48. SheilaNovember 2, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    awwwww - yea for grandpa and yea for the boy who was willing to learn.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Joanne Young ElliottNovember 2, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    I like the metaphor. Those first lines are powerful and I like how you ended it. Nicely done.

    ReplyDelete
  50. hedgewitchNovember 2, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    As always, ayala, you bring us up with stories of human love and affirmation. Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  51. LaurenNovember 2, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    sometimes only grandparents can really teach the art of living.

    ReplyDelete
  52. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Thank you, Pervagus . I am glad that you enjoyed it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    Thank you, Leslie. He is missed....

    ReplyDelete
  54. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Thank you, CM. I hope your boys love it as much as my sons do. :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Thank you, Jane. :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Thank you, Hank. :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Thank you, Sheila. :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Thank you, Joanne. :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Thank you, Joy. How kind of you to say.

    ReplyDelete
  60. ayalaNovember 2, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Lauren, grandparents are such a gift when they nurture and love.

    ReplyDelete
  61. MaryNovember 2, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    Oh, I love this. This is such a touching poem. As a grandmother myself, I hope my grandkids learn some life lessons from me!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Maude LynnNovember 2, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Beautiful, strong write.

    ReplyDelete
  63. mrs mediocrityNovember 2, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    this made me think so much of my son and my dad, always so close, he set such a good example for my son. very touching poem!

    ReplyDelete
  64. BaishaliNovember 3, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    a game well played ... so touching :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. UnknownNovember 3, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Very nice piece, brings me back, not in an identical fashion, yet similar still. Thanks for that, enjoyed the read

    ReplyDelete
  66. Rudri Bhatt Patel @ Being RudriNovember 3, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Very sentimental. Nice imagery.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Shashidhar SharmaNovember 3, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    A lovely dedication.. we all learn most profound things from the people we have loved in our childhood and it stays forever... I liked this poem as I relate with it so much.. I too learned Chess from my Grandfather and some times say the same thing... this one is for you Grandpa


    Shashi
    ॐ नमः शिवाय
    Om Namah Shivaya
    http://shadowdancingwithmind.blogspot.com/2011/11/whispers-fire-faayar-faayaar-dedicated.html
    At Twitter @VerseEveryDay

    ReplyDelete
  68. James RainsfordNovember 3, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Some great moves and gambits in this remarkable write. Loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  69. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Thank you, Mary. I am sure that they will learn many things from you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Thank you, Mama Zen. :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Thank you, Kelly. It was fortunate for your dad and your son. I think of how my dad loved to teach my son and it brings back such warm memories.

    ReplyDelete
  72. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Thank you, Baishali. :)

    ReplyDelete
  73. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Thank you, Fred. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Thank you, Rudri. :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Shashi, I am glad this resonated with you. Grandparents have a wealth of knowledge and they have patience....such a blessing.

    ReplyDelete
  76. ayalaNovember 3, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Thank you, James. :)

    ReplyDelete
  77. AnonymousNovember 3, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Grandson and Grandpa, learning so much about life and each other playing chess... that's a great bond. A real gift to carry throughout life. A lovely poem, Ayla. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  78. AmeenaNovember 3, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    I love how you used the game of chess as a parallel. So beautiful! I too learned from my grandfather and I'll always be so grateful to have had that experience.

    ReplyDelete
  79. HopeNovember 4, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    what a glorious feeling it is to say, 'checkmate!'

    beautiful words, ayala!

    ReplyDelete
  80. The Orange TreeNovember 4, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    a cool story with unbeatable message and brilliant metaphor in it, it is a pleasure to read you.
    smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  81. ayalaNovember 4, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Thank you, Di. :)

    ReplyDelete
  82. ayalaNovember 4, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Thank you, Ameena. I have great memories of my grandparents that I cherish...we are fortunate.

    ReplyDelete
  83. ayalaNovember 4, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Thank you, Hope. :)

    ReplyDelete
  84. ayalaNovember 4, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Thank you, Orange Tree. :)

    ReplyDelete
  85. KBNovember 4, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  86. ayalaNovember 6, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Thank you, KB.

    ReplyDelete
  87. AnonymousNovember 6, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    a very sweet post!

    ReplyDelete
  88. CloudiaNovember 6, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    QUITE excellent!

    Aloha from Honolulu

    Comfort Spiral

    > < } } ( ° >

    ><}}(°>

    ReplyDelete
  89. LauraNovember 7, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    oh Ayala, such tenderness in every word. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Quay Po CooksNovember 7, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    This is a lovely piece. If my grandpa is alive, I will send these verses to him.

    ReplyDelete
  91. ayalaNovember 7, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    Thank you, Marilynn. :)

    ReplyDelete
  92. ayalaNovember 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Thank you, Cloudia. :)

    ReplyDelete
  93. ayalaNovember 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Thank you, Laura. :)

    ReplyDelete
  94. ayalaNovember 7, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Thank you, Quay Po. That's sweet of you to say!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)