As we were friends and occasionally loved each other,
perhaps to add a further interest
to the many that already bound us,
we decided to play mind games.

We set up a board between us:
equal in pieces, in values,
and possible moves.

We learned the rules, swore to respect them,
and the match began.

We’ve been seated here for ever,
ferociously pondering
how to land the final blow that will irrevocably
annihilate, once and for all, the other.

Rosario Castellanos

(translation by John Lyons)