The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Once a Pawn a Time

A tiny bodyguard,
standing in the way,
dreamt of something greater,
and longed to find a way.

Always moving forward,
swiped right off the board,
never last piece standing,
tired of being ignored.

Wondering in silence,
When will I get my chance?
Planting itself firmly,
refusing to advance.

A royal head of state,
standing in the back,
dreamt of something simpler,
and longed to dodge attack.

Never moving forward,
steady on the board,
always last piece standing,
wished to be ignored.

Wondering in silence,
When will I get my chance?
No longer planted firmly,
determined to advance.

King and pawn locking eyes,
made a quick decision.
Switching places suddenly,
missing near collision.

Every now and then,
when the game becomes quite dull,
a pawn becomes a king,
and a king enjoys the lull.

About the Writer


Jessica Russo

Jessica lives in Kentucky (United States) where she is a wife, mother, and elementary school teacher. Her work has been featured in anthologies for Wild Ink Publishing and Hey Hey Books. She enjoys Halloween, rainy days, and living in the woods. Her dream is to someday publish a picture book.