Playing Chess With Duchamp Poem by Alexandre Nodopaka

No wonder his name ends
in champ.
That's how good
he was.

I play virtually
with him
only because of his extended
physical absence.

1. My move, white e4

He says he rested on his laurels
after hanging a pissoir
and hitting instant fame.

2. His move, black Ne5

Of course he did it in the USA
where it doesn't take much
to impress the pretentious gawkers
who to this day call French culture
as being theirs.

3. My move, white Nxe5

Just look at their art about nothing.

4. His move, black Qh5+

The French even invented that
thanks to Baudrillard.

5. My move, white Qh5+

Of course almost no one knows him.
America doesn't even know
that Russians invented
the wire butter cutter!

6. His move, black Qxe5+

My move: I quit while I am ahead.