Checkmate

Checkmate

The King had tried, but to vain, his every trick
He had but nothing left. Though deftly swung in blow and parry
Doughty King, Valiant King--He now could make no gain.

The battle was lost, he was much hard pressed
Enemy like rats amassed on every side
The King, his passion and ardor spent, he knew 'twas time to die.

The war had been arduous, and lengthy to say least
But throughout every battle, the King had met the time
But the noble King, indefatigable though he was
'Twas not omnipotent, there's only One who is such.

But here at the end of his long and chivalrous life
His kingdom gone, and at the end of the knife

He knew that he had been but a few steps too late
And now he accepted it--for it 'twas now Checkmate.