Headfirst, in a grid of rock and snow
Both battle brows furrow.
Lovelorn grief kept him solaced,
In cold, contingent advances.

James fronts legions before him,
Tacked within the task to deliver
All six ranks in careful order —
He must win the queen at stalemate's wit.

Over checkers he stages the siege
Of descant, offensive ivory,
Austere as ice behind blood and teeth.
His pieces yield and collect under one...