What a Card

He waltzed into the barroom
Announcing his name was Jack
He had a peg-leg, three fingers gone
And on his left eye wore a patch
His teeth that weren’t missing
Shined of glimmering gold
He ordered a bottle of whiskey
And then this story he told

He talked with an accent
That sounded really strange
Seems he mined for diamonds
In a South African mountain range
For months he lived alone there
Just him and his two mules
Digging day and night
Looking for them jewels

Says that he hurt his leg
And gangrene did set in
A village doctor amputated
Anesthesia was a case of gin
Thieves cut his fingers off
Stealing his diamond rings
But where the other rocks were hid
They could not make him sing

Now he is a rich man
Living the life of luxury
He bought drinks for everyone
Saying, “The next round is on me”
Then that grizzly old rich man
Waltzed back out the door
And the one-eyed Jack of Diamonds
Was seen never more


For Paula Swanson's, "Pick A Card" contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Song Avatar
June 12, 2011 at 5:16 AM
You had me at "what a card"---this was a well-scribed rhyming narrative about Jack. You have captured the attention of the audience so well and had us hangin with Jack till the last line. Well orchestrated entry!.......u sure u don't know Jack personally? lol. Gwendolen
Mayes Avatar
June 10, 2011 at 8:50 AM
congrats!
Brown Avatar
June 8, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Congratulations on your win in Paula's "Pick A Card"contest Joe. Love, Carol
Chamberson Avatar
June 7, 2011 at 6:58 PM
Congrats! Your poem flowed really smoothly the whole way through, and kept me entertained throughout the poem. Love it!-AddieThornton
Poet Avatar
June 7, 2011 at 6:48 AM
Congrats Joe on your 1st place win .Enjoyed your poem.
Dietrich Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 9:11 PM
I love how you went of the phrase "what a card" and used one eye Jack. Congrats on a great win. Luv, Andrea
Fraser Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Terrific story in your words Joe, nice one and so well deserved. Love it, super congratulations :)
Beck Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 1:57 PM
very witty and cleverly written.....excellent work....congratulations and best wishes
Guzzi Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 1:41 PM
What a great story, I bet your child was thrilled to hear this! Congrad's on your well deserved BIG win. Light & Love
Devonshire Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Remember this well, Joe. Congratulations on taking first place in Paula's contest. Well deserved! Love, Carolyn
Richards Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 8:23 AM
What a great imagination you have, Joe!! Another well deserved win !!! Hooray for you! That old Jack, is quite a character....wonder where he went?
Sweetheart Avatar
June 6, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Congrats Joe on a dynamic first place win in Paula's contest with this unique write luv..
Dailey Avatar
May 27, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Good one Joe - it should do well in the contest but check out mine - I used a completly different deck of cards
Devonshire Avatar
May 23, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Awesome entry for Paula's contest, Joe. The story of this man seemed very sad until the reader learns he has hidden diamonds. You picked a great card. Wishing you success in Paula's contest and hope you'll give mine a shot as well. The grouper can be used as a metaphor if you're not into fishing. Some of the serious entries are incredible. Love, Carolyn
Hendricks Avatar
May 23, 2011 at 10:03 AM
What an entertaining read, Joe. This certainly has the makings of a winner. Good luck in the contest. I'll keep my fingers crossed. :)
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