In a corner of the nursery,

They play a game called Peek-a-boo.

There’s just one rule: Wait.

The winner gets a sweet surprise.

In a corner of the playground,

They play a game called Tag.

Everyone must run and scream—

The winner gets tackled.

In a corner of the campus,

They play a game called School.

The trick is learning how to learn;

The winner gets a chance.

In a corner of the park,

They play a game called Love.

People never remember the rules.

The winner gets a tiny rock.

In a corner of the office,

They play a game called Work.

The rule is “Keep your head down.”

The winner gets to keep playing.

In a corner of the supermarket,

They play a game called Broke.

People not playing should look away.

The winner gets a little, not enough.

In a corner of the city square,

They play a game called Rich.

Players pay people to know the rules for them—

The winner gets to die with it.

In a corner of the city,

They play a game called Steal.

Just remember: don’t to get caught!

The winner gets a guilty conscience.

In a corner of the country,

They play a game called Power.

The rules don’t mean so much,

The winner gets everything.

In a corner of the universe,

They play a game called Life.

The rules are kind of fuzzy:

The winner gets—