I'd Be A Pawn

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
At the beginning important, but not for long
I’d be employed in some strategy
Not for my sake but to protect the Queen
And while I don’t mind the sacrifice
A thoughtless move would be a wasteful choice

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
I’d make a difference, but not for long
As the game pressed on to victory
My place could be a crucial thing
Or to the one my heart obeys
I’d be seen as only in the way

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
Needed at first, but not for long
A rook, a knight, I’ll never be
The Queen needs them far more than she needs me
No matter how gallantly or bravely I serve
The heart of the King my Queen will prefer

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
Protected by her but not for long
Not for my foe do I tremble in fear
But by my fellow soldiers in the rear
All vowing their allegiance for the Queen
Who ever should survive, it will not be me

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
The last of my kind, but not for long
By now the Queen is in the fray
No time to spare to guard my way
Opponents encroach all about my side
My end is sure now just in sight.

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
Holding my line, but not for long
Locking the Rook, upsetting the Knight
They cry to the Queen for my sacrifice
Cold and discerning she determines my fate
I’ll not die, but the knight in my place

If love were a game, I’d be a pawn
While the usual state not for long
Escorted to the enemies camp
Transfigured a Bishop How I like that
No more a nave, but now royalty
Perhaps I may yet win the Queen to me.

If love were a game, a Bishop I’d be
Engaging a foe, protecting my Queen
But before I battle back to her side
She’s cornered, struck down before my eyes
How bitter to come to realize
It was the king who caused her cruel demise

Love’s no more a game, than I’m a pawn
Though in life I see this go on and on
If ever I should be a King
I’d gladly die . . . to save my Queen