Poetry and Poker
Poetry and poker may seem worlds apart,
One deals in words, the other deals in cards, But both demand courage, instinct, and heart, And knowing when to play your hand from the start.
A poet lays feelings upon the page,
A poker player enters the game with a wager, Both take their chances, both step on the stage, Both learn that every decision has a measure.
A poet may bluff with a metaphor or rhyme, A poker player hides what’s held in their hand, Both know the value of patience and time, And sometimes you win simply by learning to stand.
In poetry, your words can be your greatest play, A single line can change the room in a heartbeat, In poker, one card can change the whole game, One moment can make victory bittersweet.
Both require reading what isn't being said,
The pause, the silence, the look in an eye,
The words left unspoken, the thoughts in your head, The moment you choose to hold on—or say goodbye.
Sometimes you take a chance and go all in, Sometimes you fold when the odds aren't right, Sometimes the greatest victory isn't a win, But having the courage to step into the light.
A poet risks rejection every time they recite, A poker player risks losing every chip, Yet both keep returning, chasing that moment When everything comes together in one perfect trip.
Because life is a table, and we're all dealt a hand, Some cards bring joy, while others bring pain, But it's not just the cards that determine where you stand—It's how you play them when they come your way.
So I'll keep writing my verses,
And I'll keep playing my hand,
Because poetry and poker both help me understand:
Sometimes you have to bet on your heart,
Sometimes you have to trust your soul,
And sometimes the greatest hand you can ever play Is simply having the courage to tell your story whole.
By Shawn Muñoz
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