Why I Gamble

The reason why I gamble,
I ought to tell the truth.
Those squalid tales I spun before…
Well, don’t go seeking proof.

The one about the heart op
And my desperate plight for cash -
A pack of lies, I’m fit and well
(Except a little rash).

And then there was the other one
About my mental health
And descent into depression
And the quest for joy through wealth.

And when you saw me on the street
In front of the casino,
I wept and cried ‘I have no friends,
So where else can I go.
I haven’t tasted human warmth
For such a countless while,
At least when dealing out the cards
The croupier gives a smile.’

And when you looked concerned
I said ‘Don’t fret, it’s human weakness.
But I’ve joined a local church
And hope to find a cure through Jesus.’

Then soon as you were out of sight
I dodged into the bookies
And put a tenner on a nag
(You’ll think The Devil took me).

And when this news got back to you
You started that campaign
To ‘Save Our Al’ from brimstone wrath
And flaming pitchfork pain.

And when the cash came rolling in
You gave it to my Mum,
And told her it was for
The welfare of her troubled son.

Now she was pretty mystified
And thought you were deranged.
She used the cash to buy a car
And just gave me the change.

But with all your selfless efforts,
I feel a little mean.
It’s time to set the record straight.
I’m ready to come clean.

You see.

The reason that I gamble,
There’s no tragic tale of sin.
The reason that I gamble:
It’s because I always win.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 5/9/2014 4:59:00 PM
OH I LOVE this one too. And the twist at the end surprised me. So he is a successful gambler to boot. hmmmm. This reminds me of my nephew who is really good at "counting" the cards. I think that is what they call it with poker? Anyway, he just gambles and nothing else but only wins half the time so he is just going nowhere. Ah well, he is enjoying himself at least.
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Date: 5/8/2014 10:09:00 PM
well, I have so much to do, I am gonna save this for later. I will savor your poems little by little if we become friends here. And even if we don't!
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Frankel Avatar
Alex Frankel
Date: 5/9/2014 3:13:00 AM
Thanks Andrea, little by little is good . I'm a slow writer! Will pop into yours later
Date: 5/8/2014 9:29:00 PM
Oh! Alex what a wonderful funny poem, had me grinning from ear to ear, knowing my luck if I were a gambler I would never win, I have even given up buying lottery tickets...........Vera................
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Frankel Avatar
Alex Frankel
Date: 5/9/2014 3:12:00 AM
Hi Vera,glad you enjoyed it!!!
Date: 5/5/2014 5:46:00 PM
I loved this poem. Very entertaining and interesting! -- ivo
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Date: 4/27/2014 8:58:00 PM
I loved reading this witty poem , I was going to bet you, you cant do this again until I read the last line!!!!! Cheers
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Frankel Avatar
Alex Frankel
Date: 4/28/2014 3:26:00 AM
thanks Arthur! Really glad you enjoyed it!
Date: 4/22/2014 4:57:00 PM
Really enjoyed this humourous write Alex. May you continue winning in your life. Hugs Jan xxxx
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Frankel Avatar
Alex Frankel
Date: 4/22/2014 5:08:00 PM
thanks Jan!
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