Roy Pett Poet Rhyme

The Racing Certainty

collects his benefits from hole in the wall

Luck is on his side, that's his school of thought

His mate has given him a hot tip, good man Paul

the stable lad, he's in the know well he ought 

Because he said put your shirt on this one

A racing certainty, can't lose,  a walk over,

He enters the bookies, nothing can go wrong,

Writes his betting slip, looking over his shoulder,

Planning to double his money, odds not too long,

Five minutes to the start, he counts his returns

In his head, stalls are being loaded, starter ready

Flag drops stalls open, there off, his stomach churns,

hustling and bumping for position, he feels unsteady,

He's watching the race but his mind begins to wonder

Starts thinking what treats to buy for his three kids

A lovely bouquet of flowers for his devoted woman

Get a take away, perhaps a Chinese sticky spare ribs

Things will be great when this racing certainty  comes in

Then shouts from other punters, roaring get in my son

Then came the realisation, devastation, deflation, 

No such thing as a racing certainty, all his money gone.

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Carolyn Fish January 4, 2017 at 1:27 PM Makes me think of what the father in "Lucky Number Slevin" must have felt when he thought he had a "sure thing". Even down to thinking about what he'd get for the wife and kids. Sad, trying to get a lucky break, sure it will happen, only to fall through. Roy Pett January 4, 2017 at 2:18 PM Thank you very much Carolyn for reading and commenting it's much appreciated, I've not seen "lucky number slevin" but will now, thanks again, Roy.

Jan Allison December 19, 2016 at 7:01 AM Such a sad scenario you painted Roy - desperation and dreams to get more money for the family but with gambling is the bookie usually ends up the winner :-( hugs Jan xx Roy Pett December 19, 2016 at 7:17 AM Thank you Jan for your comment, you are perfectly correct gambling is a mugs game, though I love horse racing I would never go down a road of financial ruin.