Life's a Gamble

by Milly Hayward   Jul 11, 2019


Black Jack is a betting man
he's a card shark if you will
Beats you just because he can
pleasure's, punting for a thrill

Hey Bookie is it doubles?
or maybe it's time for quits
You know that he'll be trouble
if there's no one in the pits

Silently he draws a card
winning is his only goal
The betting odds look so good
there is a fire in his soul

Highs so high that he could fly
but lows that tempt the devil
Times that he would weep and cry
losing at every level

A player stuck in transit
when his winning streak is lost
Learns of the one armed bandit
called gambling at his cost

He'll bet away his money
and slowly destroy his life
It really isn't funny
causing misery and strife

If you want to lay a bet
on a life that could be great
Gambling leads you into debt
and a sad and lonely fate

    report violation
5


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Latest Comments

  • 5 years ago

    by Walter

    You have summed this perfectly Milly and your closing verse is so true. I totally agree with Rania to display this piece at gambling venues. For some people it becomes just as addictive and destructive as smoking can be.

  • 5 years ago

    by Milly Hayward

    Thank you Ben and Rania for your feedback. I'm not a gambler myself but it is something that I have seen to be very addictive in others. I think that poetry is an excellent medium for raising awareness of issues. Take care best wishes Milly x

  • 5 years ago

    by Sunshine

    An awareness poem, I think this piece should be placed near gambling markets. Just like smoking warning tags on cigs' packs. Very truthful and mature. The poem in all did not take the path of drama or explore a personal experience. It held a neutral tone and a serious structuring. The wording was friendly and it held its smooth rhyme flawlessly.

  • 5 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    So true, Milly. Excellent.

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