Zugzwang

Every dancer must know,

When first they line up to dance,

That their every step has a countering step,

And these steps match retreat with advance.

Every fighter accepts,

When first they are trained with a sword,

They might need take a blow to deliver a blow,

And with this they might earn their reward.

Every minstrel is taught,

When first they set fingers to string,

That the dissonant notes and harmonious notes

All needs must all be played as they sing.

Every butcher endures,

When first they are trained in their trade,

That the fortunate strokes and unfortunate strokes,

All lie in the art of the blade.

So from these lessons we take,

When we set forth to work some great deed,

That the heroes' remit means they must take a hit,

And to sally forth means they must bleed.

Every hero recall,

When the world's saved or damned as we choose,

That the losses we're shown might well include our own,

And that sometimes to win we might lose