PHOTO PROMPT © Jeff Arnold
All around the heads of the pawns the rhetoric swirled. The Kings and Queens and lesser royalty had their own strategy in mind, but the pawns knew nothing of that. They only knew that they were being promised many things by both the Black and the White.
How to know which, if either, were telling the truth?
The knights were sent to battle, the Bishops were sent to pray. The Castles were besieged and knocked off the playing field.
It was left to the pawns to clean up the battlefield, and wonder if anyone had won.
Just Writing! 
Loved the last line. In fact, with evenly matched opponents, it’s often the pawns who decide a game of chess
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Thanks, Neil. I’m not a chess player. Strategy is not my strength. But I’ve always been fascinated by the genius of the process.
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An excellent point.
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Is this about chess or politics? I wonder if the pawns will be picking up the pieces after these midterm elections. Nicely done.
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Thanks, Lain. It’s all in the title. Very, very important things being decided next week.
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Pawns do have to do the most work.
And yes “wonder” too…
Well expressed.
Have a great week!
Queen In Quicksand – Anita
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Thanks, Anita
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Pawns, as ever, strategically placed to observe.
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That was a killer last line.
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Thanks 🙂
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Dear LInda,
I seldom use the word “brilliant.” In this case I will. Brava!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Why, thank you! High praise indeed 🙂
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This was indeed a brilliant one, Linda….
Such a perfect metaphor for life and politics… the little people left to pick up the mess.
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Thanks so much, Dale.
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Superb writing Granonine.
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Thank you!
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Nope, never! Brilliantly written.
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Thank you 🙂
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Yes pawns are used as cannon fodder in wars that is never won or even winnable.
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Yes. Thanks for your comment.
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It’s always the little people left to suffer and pick up the pieces after both wars and elections.
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Sadly true. And we’re already being promised “blood in the streets” if the election next week doesn’t go the way one side wants it. Sad.
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Pawns are insignificant until the other players are removed from the board. Then they become the players. Nicely done.
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Good observation. Thanks.
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A perfect comment on the politics of our time. Excellent.
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Thans 🙂
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This is wonderfully written. I like the layers of the story. Enjoyed it.
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Thanks so much.
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Let’s hear it for the pawns! I’m definitely one. Great use of the photo.
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Thank you 🙂
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Lovely metaphor for our current predicament, a nation polarizded into black and white. One can only hope that the pieces perform their parts with valor, whatever their allegiance. Well said!
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Thank you. I wanted to make a statement without starting a controversy 🙂
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a very timely piece. one of your best. well done.
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Thanks so much 🙂
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What a great metaphor for real life. Well done!
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Thank you!
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Fa-bu-lous. Perfect writing. And a lesson embedded there, that we never learn.
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True. Generation after generation.
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I found this philosophical – wondering who has won! the truth is from any battle there are no real winners – all returns to the status quo and therefore the battle was pointless.
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Well, yes, that often happens. I’m thinking Viet Nam. BUT–there have been battles–wars–that have changed the course of history. Go back as far as the Norman invasion and victory over England in 1099. And that’s just one example.
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I agree, there are many battles and wars that changed the direction of progress – that is no excuse for this modern period, however politicians will always find an excuse.
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In war there are no winners, the game is about to lose the least.
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Good observation. Thanks, Bjorn.
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Excellent write!
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Thanks!
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Yup. That’s life. Nicely rendered.
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Thanks 🙂
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Wonderfully written commentary on politics. It’s the common man who must pick up the pieces.
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Thanks, Brenda.
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Excellent!
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Thank you 🙂
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Who wins? I loved that scooped up by labour, shovelled up by tories, its the same side of the same coin!
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Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful social observation and a great ending. I hope the pawns play their part in the coming weeks in US 😀
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I certainly plan to do MY part 🙂
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A very timely and topical story, relatable to the present state of politics across the world.
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What an excellent description of politics. The pawns are indeed the ones who have to clean up the mess. Beautifully written.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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My pleasure.
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I think this is one of your very best. A delightful read. Kudos!
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Thank you, Alicia.
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Great last line for a superb allegory. Nice one
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Thanks, Michael.
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Pingback: Politics — Just Writing! – angelachidi.com
Brilliant post!
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Thank you!
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