I’d been warned before,

but never expected the pain.

Just knew love was fun,

but never played the game.

The rules were manipulated,

obfuscated by their upper hand.

I’d known falling was involved,

but hadn’t prepared to land.

Gracelessly braced in disgrace,

slick chessboard meets my feet.

I’d thought we were a match,

not one where we compete.

Their retreat was seen as victory,

which almost made it worse.

I guess it’s all fun and games

until someone gets hurt.

Left behind, I resigned

the hurt wasn’t worth the cost.

Bruised and wounded, I choose

to find proof of how I’d lost.

I memorized their moves,

assured I’d recognize a repeat.

Love may be fun and games,

but I refuse to claim defeat.