Dealing
The dealer shuffles the pack and then deals;
With thousands, maybe millions being staked.
A high rolling gambler’s thirst won’t be slaked
Until all hands have been played. Who then steals
The pot, raking in the chips and stacking
Them in neat columns, a harsh histogram
Of winners and losers? Those the cards damn
Find they’re living lives suddenly lacking
A roof, food on the table, or even
A table, or so much as a gutter
To lie in. All who’re drawn by a flutter
Stake their fortunes on the dealer, who then
Calls trumps and deals – one state, two states or more,
Knowing when tricks are turned there’ll still be war.
D. A.