Greetings Joy !

I am currently reviewing as part of the tasks set by the "Game of Thrones" . I especially visited your port to dig your most precious gems then this piece appeared. In this review, I mainly focus on the positives of your piece and I may point some Areas for Improvement if found any. Without much a do, here are the things I noticed after delving deeper into the contents:


The poem "Chess Players in Central Park" by an unknown author dives deep into the world of elderly chess enthusiasts battling it out on a sunny day. The opening lines establish a vibrant scene with the sun's "articulate warmth" painting the park and its inhabitants, including the "choiceless pawns" – a clever metaphor for the men perched on the "stone-slab benches." The poem subtly introduces the theme of aging with the description of the men as "faded," hinting at a life rich in experience but nearing its twilight.

The heart of the poem lies in the chess game itself. The men, though described as "faded," become invigorated by the competition. They strategize with "silver-white tactics" and engage in playful banter, evident in their "cantankerous grins." The poem injects humor with the delightful image of the "coquettish queen flirting everywhere," adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise serious competition. The tension builds with descriptions like "Gasping, almost there," culminating in the dramatic declaration of "Checkmate."

However, the poem transcends the mere act of playing chess. The final lines elevate the scene to a celebration of human connection. The act of checkmate, delivered in just "two syllables," holds enough power to postpone the concerns of the outside world, symbolized by the "morning news." A sense of camaraderie, "seeded or not," binds the players together. The poem concludes by comparing them to legendary chess champions, "Fisher and Spassky." This comparison elevates the importance of the game in the lives of these men. The poem's true victory lies not just in winning with a pawn, but in conquering the limitations of age through mental agility and the joy of shared competition. Thank you for sharing this. Write on!

Best regards,
Gervic