I watch old men playing chess in the park
carefully measuring every move.
the blonde in the tight fitting sweater
struggling with the New York Times crossword puzzle.
little children crying out in frustration
trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle
everyday is a puzzle to me
why torture myself with games?
when I won at chess for the first time
the guy in the park who talked to himself
knocked the chess pieces down and broke my jaw
when I played pool at Flynn’s Silver Dollar Café
the pimp with the red felt hat pulled a gun on me.
people who are not struggling in life play games
all I want is a meal and a chance to fill the rest of the day.