Check Mate by Valerie Parente
These men have checkered pasts
so these women have to play chess
strategic in who they let in their space
using gut feelings, but from the chest.
A queen maneuvering across the world
going up, down, right and left
so much power in her movements
yet they still call her second best.
And when it’s time to choose a mate
she must do more than glance or check
because it’s not just a game at the end of the day
and sliding away is better than cornered to death.
– Valerie Parente (7-2-2025)
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