If she loved you once, she might love you twice
but this is her game, it is played as solitaire.
No fine king of diamonds, no mad jack of spades;
no fancy club for the lovelorn where you
can outmaneuver with a winsome grace.
This is not the game where anyone wins.
It is one heart played and nothing more to spare.
Like a dreamy master game, one step forward,
crisscross, slide three over but the window will close.
Set a table as if waiting for two– although
no service is forthcoming, no challenge of wits;
not even remembrances served with an aperitif.
After a cleansing fast, she may even return;
but this is her game and still true to one heart
it is played alone, remains a lively solitaire,
a long running, loss-defying life of solitaire.
Tales for Life 
Ananda, my apologies, the film was “The Queen’s Gambit.” (A bit embarrassing!)
Your thoughtful poem and the beautiful photo go together well, Cynthia. And I enjoyed the words you put together, original phrases like “No fine king of diamonds, no mad jack of spades; no fancy club for the lovelorn where you can outmaneuver with a winsome grace.” Lovely closing lines too.
I thank you, Jet. I love all genres–fiction/nonfiction/poetry and a few subgenres–and always appreciate your feedback. The chair has been on my mind every time I pass it on walks–it triggers other stories, as well.
I got your analogy to solitaire that once one’s love is lost, it”s a risky game to expect it to return. Maybe chess might apply here as well.
Yes, chess would work. Thanks for reading.
Great poem! A player alone at home. It seems like a sad fate and reminds me of having a picture of someone I loved. It’s there but not, like at your table. Thanks for the great poem!
That was a neat response, thanks!
A bit sad
Maybe not if one likes solitude/independence…thanks, Derrick! (Was a response to a film I saw.)
Yes, indeed
Lovely
Thank you, Ananda, appreciate that.
the poem and picture come together with a haunting beauty
Thanks-I do try to pair photos with my content the best I can. I was inspired in part by the film The Gambit Queen– but when I saw that chair, the poem first began to form. Often images can give rise to entire stories or poems, sometimes nonfiction, as well. Appreciate your thoughts.