The game of Checkers

[Danny_Alvarez]

"The game of Checkers (Draughts)"
Some prefer a game of billiards, others like to see baseball;
Many think that noisy bowling is the best sport of them all.
Tennis, hookey, golf and polo have admirersby the score;
Even football, sometimes brutal, has its followers galore
There are those who think card-playing though 'tis most devoid of skill
Is the best of recreation when you've merely time to kill.
There are other games I think of that are fit for idle pates;
They're alike in their construction; naught' but luck predominates.
But of all the games and pastimes that Have weathered every test.
The grand old game of checkers is undoubtedly the best.
Here are science, calculation where a busy brain you need;
Skill not luck, you must depend on if at this you would succeed.
Many arc its subtle catches, always new ones you will find;
And by forcing constant thinking you will educate the mind.
Fascinating for the student, bringing out his latent powers ;
And the adept finds improvement as he while away the hours.
When you search the masses over and a checker player find,
You will know him as a person with a keen and active mind.
Only those who like surroundings that are decent and the best
Are attracted to this pastime and enjoy it with a zest.
Then let's hope this game of science, with its elevating trend.
Finds a following gigantic that will stick till times does end.


~~~~ Thomas F. Field, in "Tribune Farmer"~~~~~

I found this poem in a copy of a Western Australian Newspaper dated March 1913. Along with a problem and a small article about "the dundee" by Mr Frank Dunne. I wanted to share this with all of you, if you had seen this already I hope this post isn't redundant.
cheers
D. Alvarez