A most formidable opponent
One I can't predict
A rarity who could strike fear
And send chills down my neck

She sits across from me
Pensively contemplating
And when she makes her move
I'm left deliberating
What move I next should make
A critical moment for me
An irregular heartbeat
Crippled by all the possibilities

If I should move the pawn
And maintain the "nice guy" rapport
Then my heart would only crush me
As I yearn for more
The kind of man who supports her
Yet remain locked out her door
That ultimately wastes my time
When she finds another to adore
A courteous drive around town
Or a cheerful message on her phone
A cordial hug and handshake
Would be the most I would've ever known

If I should play the bishop
And take her to see the world
The most beautiful cathedral
To see an exquisite mural
And take her to a mountain
To see the city lights
And watch the meteor shower
Among the constellations of the night
Or inspire her with visions
Of a beautiful tomorrow
Give her every opportunity and contact
And my time for her to borrow

If I should move the knight
And play full contact sport
And by that I mean
Having my presence be her comfort
Whether holding her hand
While pushing through the club
Or adding an extra second and squeeze
Whenever we meet and hug
And tickling her feet with my own
At the table where we now sit
And rubbing her neck and shoulders
Whenever time permits

If I should play the rook
And become a breadwinner
And court her practically
By cleaning and cooking dinner
And completing her to-do list
Until her free time increases
And help her become closer
To her nephews and nieces
And editing her business plan
Or compiling news reports
And being her partner, doubles
While playing the tennis courts

If I should play the queen
And become more feminist than she is
And pray for that day
When women are fairly treated
Yet entertain her amusement
When she talks about rings,
Skin care, bracelets, fashion,
Korean drama and that sort of thing
Not to say that I'm on her leash
But understanding her need
To be an independent woman
To assure her that she can succeed

If I should play the king
And she's the kind of girl-next-door
I'd caress her cheek and neck
And tell her "I'm yours"
Playing mind games constantly
Till she comes back begging
For me and my approval
While I'm out amidst my flings
Defending my arrogance
And treat her like property
Or a sex object or whore
And living in a melange of misery

But before I could make my move
We pause the game and suspend
She answers her cell phone:
A dinner invitation from her friend
She asks if I'd like to go
I said, "Yeah, sure, why not?"
She wants to introduce me to someone
"I kinda like him, he's hot!"
I stared at the board awhile
And resigned to my fate
She never thought to see me that way
So I opted to stalemate.