TRAPPED IN CHESS
By Andres D. Fernandez-Carrasco

This poem is about my experience at the Super National Chess Tournament
in Kansas City, Missouri, in April 2001.

                        7000 kids sit
                              d
                              0
                              w       
                              n
                 to play one round of chess.
           Three thousand boards; one hundred and
              twelve thousand pieces, one you.


                      You're nervous                     
                        You 're worried
                      You're biting
                        Your nails.


                   You 're an exposed king
                    You're a checked king
                     You're a mated king
                But there's no place else you'd 
             rather be, because


                    You're trapped.
                  Trapped in the world of
                         Chess!
      

SAUDIN
By Andres Fernandez-Carrasco

      He is the sturdy trunk of a solid tree.
      His chess children
      Lean on him for his love and support.


      He is the captain of a fleet of ships.
      He guides us through our mysterious journeys
      Across a black and white sea.


      I lean back on that tree, that sturdy, gentle tree.
      I follow that courageous and steady captain.
      He is my chess dad.

TWO FATHERS
By Andres Fernandez-Carrasco

                                                To Saudin.
One father brought me
into the world of black nights and white days; 
Another father brought me
into the world of black and white squares.


Which one helps me find my way through the black and white?
Which one teaches me the meaning of sacrifice and strategy?
Which father teaches me how to focus under pressure?
Which voice do I hear when I'm about to make a dangerous move?


Which voice do I hear when I'm down?
Which father teaches me not to brag when I win?
Which one teaches me to learn from my mistakes when I lose?
Which one uses love and laughter in his lessons?


Chess is life and life is chess.