Every week, they played the game.
Old and young together played Chess.
The conversations were always the same.
As Hank and Chandler made a mess.
Hank and Jerry told of their past.
Chandler listened to them speak
Their knowledge and memories were fast.
Even if their bodies were weak.
Same old jokes that old men tell.
Were heard by a lonely soul.
These times were both heaven and hell.
Playing a game beyond control.
With these friends, there was no judgment or shame.
Hank and Jerry did not have much time.
There was only the shared love for the game.
These precious moments were sublime.
Till the day when Hank and Jerry came no more.
Chess was not the same without his friends.
But the day came when Chandler swore.
He would not let this be how the story ends.
13 years had passed, and Chandler had changed.
He was now a she and Chastity was her name.
By divine intervention, her life was rearranged.
God gave her the gift of comedy and fame.
The younger folk didn’t know how to play Chess.
The art of Chess would be lost without a teacher.
For those like her, Chastity turned prejudice to progress.
And soon became a sort of Chess Coach as well as a preacher.
The constant lies about transgender people are very old.
The hateful words made Chastity want to hide.
But stronger than her fear was a prophecy foretold.
That Chastity would overcome prejudice with pride.
Sometimes life is hard and the journey is long.
And sometimes our friends leave us or die.
But don’t give up the games of Chess or song.
You won’t forget because neither will I.
Chastity White Rose 