WoPoLi

A Word About: Chessmen of Fate and Mephistopheles’ Laugh

This poem plays masterfully with the metaphor of chess, weaving it through history, politics, and human ambition with a haunting elegance. The imagery of “Mephistopheles laughs where empires stood” and “contracts inked in smoke-filled cabinet rooms” underscores the Faustian bargains that often shape history, where power and compromise intertwine in shadowy, morally ambiguous ways.

Sarah B. Royal’s allusions to pivotal moments—Vienna, Dunkirk—anchor the piece in specific historical contexts, yet her seamless transition to modern “avatars in glass-lit halls” adds a chilling commentary on how power and corruption evolve but never disappear. The repetition of chess elements, from pawns to queens, mirrors the cyclical nature of these dynamics, reinforcing how every player—whether ruler, soldier, or citizen—has a role in the game’s unfolding.

The final stanza is particularly striking, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The notion that “the human heart can checkmate darkness cast” serves as a powerful testament to agency, resilience, and the potential for moral triumph.

This is a thought-provoking and impactful piece. She has a gift for layering timeless themes with rich, evocative details.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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