Chessboard

My soul’s a chessboard,

my friends are my pieces.
They are the ones who ward,
against anything life unleashes.

I am not the one who’s playing,
I am not the one who’s in control.
They are the ones purveying,
the courage to face this all.

They are my bishops, rooks and knights,
the king is weak without protection.
They are my strength to light the nights,
the source behind my warm affection.