PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Unless you live in our ‘hood or do business in it, you avoid it. It’s a place that makes the news, which always tolls loss. It’s a place where you either huddle behind deadbolts or play hard in the streets. Few walk the middle ground.
Barry arrives at nine sharp and starts setting up his board. His now-gray hair ruffles in the breeze as he whistles, remembering the first time he stopped at the old men’s laughter; he’s one of the old men now. Jimmy arrives around nine-thirty. By noon, the table’s full and bystanders watch.
Chess is life here.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host with the most of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Time passes by but the cycle is much the same.
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Thank you and agree.
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Chess is a great game,
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Dear Lisa,
I’m reminded of Joni Mitchell’s Circle Song. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you very much.
Shalom,
Lisa
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You’re quite welcome, Lisa.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Chess may be the only middle ground available
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Great take Li.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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My pleasure dear friend
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It’s one game I could never beat my dad. And he loved that!
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haha! Glad you have that memory to share with you and him.
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I hope his car is safe. 😀
We need more middle ground in the world.
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I hope so also, but I think he may not have a car. Well-said on more middle ground needed in the world <3
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Chess will be life for future generations too I’m sure.
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I could see them all gathered there, nicely evocative.
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Thanks so much, Iain.
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Love it. Gives movin’ on a much improved perspective.
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Bill, thank you :)
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You’re welcome, Lisa.
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Well done! A full story in 100 words.
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Thanks so much.
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A lovely, light-hearted take on the prompt. Thank you.
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Thanks much, Alicia.
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Fresh air, a chess board with concentration to take your mind off your surroundings, with an added bonus of an audience. There should be more like this.
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100% agreed, James. Thank you for reading.
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Playing chess on the street is so much fun. I’ve done it once or twice when I was young. Great piece.
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Nitin, happy to hear you’ve done it. There is such a community spirit that gets built in such things. Thank you.
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A great story, I love it. Chess is fascination through the ages and will remain so, I’m sure. (I’m too dumb for it, and I’m a bad loser. ;) )
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Thanks, Gabi. Mine isn’t a chess mind either, but I can play scrabble all day long and win.
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Oh this is a lovely moment. There is a peace expressed in the writing regardless of the danger of the location. Beautifully done
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Laurie, thank you so much.
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I’ve seen those old guys! Always wished I were good at chess :)
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:) So neat, Linda. They are games but they are also so vitally essential in the ‘hood.
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I love the atmosphere you have created here. Isn’t it funny how chess has become life in so many down and out areas?
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Thank you, Dale. It’s a good way to keep your mind active in a war zone beyond just surviving it. I’ve seen boxing clubs serve the same function, but that’s beneficial in other ways (but also drawbacks.)
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It really is. And yes, boxing can be good to get the stress out – in a controlled environment, of course.
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