cut the deck

reaching the age of 52
I contemplate a deck of cards
one for each year in this game
no two alike

I remember the full house
wrestling with the Queens and Kings of my youth
trying to stay straight
occasionally flushed

oh once I was in a pair or two
held some for too long
still looking for more
in the next slow deal

yeah I made an Ace of myself
joined a few clubs
broke a few hearts
never offering diamonds

so cut the deck
and give me a good hand
and I won't even mind
if you leave in the Joker

			© Chuck Beals May 9, 2002